Important note on allowed status

• Short-term rentals are allowed in Cheyenne, WY, and there is no dedicated, citywide prohibition against operating an STR. However, operation is subject to licensing, zoning, safety, and tax requirements. As in most Wyoming cities, rules are locally driven and do change; verify with the City of Cheyenne before launching or renewing.

1. Quick Start: How to Launch an STR in Cheyenne

• Confirm property eligibility:
  • Verify that STR use is permitted under Cheyenne’s zoning for your parcel (residential vs commercial/mixed-use zones may have different rules or require special approvals for non-owner-occupied STRs).
  • Review any HOA/CC&Rs or covenants that might limit short-term rentals.
• Obtain required licenses and permits:
  • Lodging Facility License (City of Cheyenne—primary STR authorization).
  • Business License (City of Cheyenne Business Services).
  • Special Use Permit (if required by zoning for non-owner-occupied STRs in certain residential districts).
• Complete safety and inspection steps:
  • Install/maintain smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers consistent with life-safety standards.
  • Be prepared for inspection (or self-certification) to confirm compliance.
• Register for taxes:
  • Sales Tax License with the Wyoming Department of Revenue (if you will collect/remit sales tax or lodging taxes that are not collected by your platform).
  • Set up processes to collect and remit applicable state sales tax and local lodging taxes.
• Designate a local contact:
  • Name a local manager/representative available to respond to issues and provide contact information on your application.
• Secure appropriate insurance:
  • Short-term rental or commercial liability coverage for the property and operations.

2. Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

• Lodging Facility License (City of Cheyenne)
  • Application, annual renewal, fee, and inspection/self-certification.
• Business License (City of Cheyenne Business Services)
  • General business registration for lodging activity.
• Special Use Permit (if applicable)
  • May be required in some residential zones for non-owner-occupied STRs or to confirm neighborhood compatibility requirements.
• Sales Tax License (Wyoming Department of Revenue)
  • For collecting/remitting sales and lodging taxes, especially for off-platform bookings.
• Core documentation typically requested
  • Proof of property ownership or lease authorization.
  • Government-issued ID for the owner/operator.
  • Liability insurance certificate (naming the city as additional insured if required).
  • Site plan, floor plan, and occupancy/parking details.
  • Local contact information and management plan.
  • Compliance with life-safety standards (smoke/CO detectors, extinguisher, emergency info for guests).

3. City, County, and State Rules You Must Follow

• City of Cheyenne (Laramie County)
  • Allowed status: STRs are permitted subject to licensing, zoning, and safety requirements.
  • Licenses/fees:
    • Lodging Facility License with an annual renewal fee (reported around $150; confirm current fee with the City).
  • Zoning and operations:
    • Residential zones (R1, R2, R3) permit STRs with conditions:
      • Owner-occupied properties: often allowed with fewer restrictions (some guides cite up to 3 bedrooms; confirm with Planning).
      • Non-owner-occupied: may require special use permits and additional spacing/notice requirements (some references cite minimum spacing, such as 200 feet, between non-owner-occupied STRs in certain residential areas).
      • Neighborhood notification is commonly part of the permit process in residential zones.
    • Commercial/mixed-use zones: often more permissive but still subject to licensing and parking/noise standards.
  • Taxes and taxation collection:
    • State sales tax generally applies; platforms often collect automatically, but operators remain responsible.
    • Local lodging taxes apply; see Section 5 for rates and sources.
• State of Wyoming (statewide)
  • No statewide operating license for STRs; regulation is primarily local.
  • Safety: general building/fire codes apply; install/maintain standard life-safety equipment.
  • Business: standard business registration/liability obligations apply.

4. Taxes: What to Collect and Remit

• State-level taxes
  • Sales tax: Wyoming imposes a state sales tax on transient lodging and other charges associated with short-term rentals.
  • Lodging/excise taxes: Wyoming has a state lodging/excise tax on stays of under 30 days. Some sources note 4%; others cite 5%—verify with the Wyoming Department of Revenue for your specific situation and current rate.
  • Platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) may collect some or all of these taxes automatically; operators are responsible for compliance regardless.
• Local taxes (Cheyenne/Laramie County)
  • Cheyenne (and Laramie County) impose a local lodging/excise tax in addition to the state taxes.
  • Sources vary on the precise local rate:
    • One authoritative source cites 2% city lodging tax plus 4% state sales tax (total ~6%).
    • Other sources indicate Cheyenne’s total lodging tax rate may be around ~5% (inclusive of state/local), or that the local lodging tax component could be higher (e.g., ~5%) depending on how sources combine state and local levies.
  • Remittance: Register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue; file returns per the state schedule and keep detailed records of nightly rates, fees, and occupancy.

Tax overview matrix (for quick planning)

• State sales tax: Applies to STR income; platforms often collect automatically.
• State lodging/excise tax: Applies to stays < 30 days; rate reported as 4% by some sources and 5% by others—confirm current rate.
• Local lodging/excise tax: Applies in Cheyenne/Laramie County; rate varies by source (2% city component or ~5% combined lodging tax—confirm current rate).
• Total effective rate: Combine state sales tax with applicable local lodging/excise tax; some investors model an all-in lodging/excise tax of ~6% based on 2% local + 4% state. If the local lodging/excise tax is higher (~5%), the combined rate can reach ~9% (e.g., 5% combined lodging/excise + 4% sales tax). Confirm exact current rates with the Wyoming Department of Revenue and City Treasurer.

5. Operational Requirements and Ongoing Compliance

• Safety equipment: Maintain smoke detectors, CO detectors, and fire extinguishers; provide emergency procedures for guests.
• Occupancy and parking: Adhere to posted occupancy limits and parking standards; confirm in zoning or permit conditions.
• Noise and nuisance: Observe city noise ordinances; consider quiet hours and monitoring.
• Local contact: Maintain a local manager/representative capable of responding to complaints or emergencies.
• Inspections/renewals: Renew your Lodging Facility License annually; complete any required inspections or self-certifications.
• Recordkeeping: Maintain detailed records of bookings, revenues, taxes collected/remitted, and guest communications.

6. Contact Information (Cheyenne, WY)

• City of Cheyenne – Planning and Development (licensing, zoning, permits)
  • Planning/Zoning: 307-637-6280
  • Website: cheyennecity.org/Government/Departments/Planning-and-Development
• City of Cheyenne – Business Services (business license)
  • Phone: 307-637-6200
  • Website: cheyennecity.org/Government/Departments/Business-Services
• Wyoming Department of Revenue (sales/lodging/excise tax registration and filing)
  • Phone: 307-777-7961
  • Website: revenue.wyo.gov
• Laramie County Treasurer/Finance (local lodging/excise tax questions)
  • Website: laramiecountywy.gov (County Departments; Finance/Treasurer)

7. Source Links and Attribution

• Cheyenne STR laws overview: www.jakenfinancegroup.com/cheyenne-short-term-rental-laws-2026-a-complete-guide
• Wyoming STR laws (state context, taxes, Cheyenne allowance): www.steadily.com/blog/airbnb-short-term-rental-laws-and-regulations-in-wyoming
• Wyoming STR regulations (2025 update, definitions, taxes, city notes including Cheyenne): www.redawning.com/pm/post/wyoming-short-term-rental-laws
• Wyoming STR guide (definitions, local licensing overview, taxes; detailed city sections including Cheyenne): www.checkmaterentals.com/blog/wyoming-short-term-rental-regulations

Notes and cautions

• The rate details above reflect conflicting but authoritative sources. Always confirm current tax rates and fees directly with the Wyoming Department of Revenue and the City of Cheyenne before launching or renewing.
• Cheyenne’s zoning and special use requirements can change; consult the Planning and Development Department to confirm how your parcel and intended operation are classified.