Overview

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Buffalo, WY. The city has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for short-term vacation rental properties (STRs) through Chapter 29 of the City Zoning Ordinance. STRs are permitted as special uses in specific residential zoning districts (R-2 and R-3) and require an annual permit issued by the City of Buffalo.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Buffalo, WY

Step 1: Zoning Compliance

1. Verify zoning eligibility - Your property must be located in an eligible zoning district:

   • R-2 Medium-Density Residential District
   • R-3 High-Density Multi-Family Residential District

2. Confirm STR is permitted - STRs are allowed as special uses in these districts but require proper approval.

Step 2: State Registration

1. Register with Wyoming Department of Revenue - This must be completed before applying for the local STR permit
2. Obtain Wyoming Department of Revenue Account Number - This is required for your municipal application

Step 3: Municipal Permit Application

1. Apply for Short-Term Vacation Rental Property Permit with the City of Buffalo
2. Pay initial application fee (amount established by City of Buffalo)
3. Provide required documentation (see Required Documents section)

Step 4: Annual Renewal

1. Pay annual renewal fee (amount established by City of Buffalo)
2. Maintain compliance with all health, safety, and welfare requirements
3. Keep contact information current for local property management

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Municipal Requirements

• Short-Term Vacation Rental Property Permit (annual permit)
• Wyoming Department of Revenue Registration (must be completed first)
• Wyoming Department of Revenue Account Number (required for application)

Documentation Requirements

• Proof of Wyoming Department of Revenue registration
• Wyoming Department of Revenue Account Number
• Local contact information for property manager/responsible party
• 24-hour response capability documentation

Tax Obligations

• State lodging taxes (owner's responsibility)
• Federal lodging taxes (owner's responsibility)
• Any other applicable state or federal taxes

Ongoing Compliance

• Annual permit renewal
• Fee payments as established by City
• Health, safety, and welfare standards maintenance
• Response to complaints within 24 hours

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Buffalo Regulations

Definition

Short-Term Vacation Rental Property: A separate furnished residential dwelling, living space, or unit available for lease or exchange for a term of less than 30 consecutive days, commonly referred to as vacation rentals. Individual rooms within a residential dwelling are not included within this definition.

Zoning Districts Where Permitted

1. R-2 Medium-Density Residential District

   • STRs are permitted as special uses
   • Subject to requirements of Chapter 29, Article 3, Section 15

2. R-3 High-Density Multi-Family Residential District

   • STRs are permitted as special uses
   • Subject to same requirements as R-2 district

Operational Requirements

• Annual permit required from City of Buffalo
• Initial application fee required (amount set by City)
• Annual renewal fee required (amount set by City)
• Local contact/property manager must be designated
• 24-hour response capability for issues and complaints
• State and federal tax compliance is owner's responsibility

Application Process

• Written application on City-designated form
• City review for health, safety, and welfare consistency
• Annual renewal required to maintain permit

Johnson County Regulations

The provided content does not include specific Johnson County regulations for STRs. State-level Wyoming regulations would apply for unincorporated areas.

Wyoming State Regulations

• Wyoming Department of Revenue registration required
• State lodging tax obligations
• General business registration requirements

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Buffalo - Planning and Zoning Department

Note: The document references the Planning and Zoning Department but does not provide specific contact details. Contact information should be verified directly with:

• City of Buffalo
• Planning and Zoning Department
• City Hall

Key Contacts for STRs:

• City Planner/Zoning Administrator - Handles zoning compliance and permits
• Building Department - Issues certificates of occupancy
• Planning & Zoning Staff - Processes applications and renewals

Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Document

City of Buffalo Zoning Ordinance - Chapter 29

• URL: www.cityofbuffalowy.com/docview.aspx?docid=31729
• Key Sections:
  • Article 3, Section 15 - Short-Term Vacation Rental Property regulations (page 29-9)
  • Article 4, Section 2 - Definitions including STR definition (page 29-12)
  • Article 7, Section 2.B.14 - R-2 district special uses (page 29-15)
  • Article 8 - R-3 district regulations (page 29-16)

Important Notes for Investors

Regulatory Framework

• Buffalo has a well-established regulatory framework for STRs
• Annual permitting system requires ongoing compliance
• Special use approval process applies in residential districts

Market Considerations

• STRs are limited to specific zoning districts (R-2 and R-3)
• Individual room rentals are excluded from the definition
• Minimum 30-day rental periods are standard (shorter periods constitute STRs)

Compliance Requirements

• State registration must precede municipal application
• Local property management is required for complaint response
• Tax obligations span both state and federal levels

Application Process

• Planning & Zoning Commission reviews special use applications
• City Council has final approval authority in some cases
• Public hearing requirements may apply for special use permits

This guide provides the foundational information needed for STR investment in Buffalo, Wyoming. Always verify current requirements and contact information directly with local authorities before making investment decisions.