Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Gillette, WY?

Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Gillette, Wyoming. As of 2025, there are no city- or county-specific short‑term rental licensing requirements or caps on the number of STRs in Gillette, and the city’s zoning ordinance does not impose STR‑specific prohibitions or special-use permits. Existing building, fire, and safety codes still apply to all residential and lodging uses, and Gillette follows the state‑wide tax framework for lodging and sales taxes. In short, you can operate an STR in Gillette provided your property and operation comply with general municipal codes and Wyoming’s state tax rules. Sources: City of Gillette archived zoning ordinance; 2024 City of Laramie council memo noting that Gillette has no STR‑specific zoning regulations. [link][link]

Note on terminology: In this guide, “short‑term rental” refers to rentals of fewer than 30 consecutive days (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO).

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Gillette

Follow these steps to launch and operate a compliant STR in Gillette. The sequence reflects typical investor workflows and compliance touchpoints.

1. Confirm zoning and property suitability

• Validate that your property’s current use and building type can function as a dwelling (e.g., single‑family home, apartment, accessory dwelling) and that any proposed use aligns with local zoning. Gillette has no STR‑specific zoning restrictions, but standard residential use, parking, setbacks, occupancy, and building safety standards still apply. [link]

2. Set up business registration and tax accounts

• Obtain any required business registrations with the City of Gillette (general business licensing) and the Wyoming Department of Revenue to collect and remit state sales and lodging taxes on bookings of fewer than 30 nights. Local lodging/sales taxes may also apply; register with county/city tax administrators once you identify applicable rates. [link][link][link][link]

3. Obtain insurance

• Secure liability coverage appropriate for a lodging business. Homeowner policies often exclude commercial hosting; consider an STR‑specific policy or an endorsement to cover guest injuries and property damage.

4. Meet safety and building requirements

• Gillette has adopted the International Codes (IBC, IRC, IFGC, NEC, IMC, IPC) and the Uniform Fire Code. Properties used as lodging must meet life‑safety requirements (smoke/CO detectors, egress, fire extinguishers, emergency information) and pass inspections as required by the Building Department. [link]

5. Plan for taxes and guest communications

• Collect and remit state sales tax (4%) and lodging tax, and any applicable local lodging/sales taxes on bookings under 30 days. Provide guests with contact information, house rules, and quiet hours to reduce nuisance complaints. [link][link]

6. Position the listing

• Price and market the property for Gillette’s primary demand drivers: energy‑sector contractors, temporary relocating professionals, and regional travel. Properties near business/industrial areas and medical facilities tend to perform well. [link]

7. Establish operations

• Implement standard hosting SOPs: automated messaging (check‑in, rules), noise and occupancy monitoring, responsive guest support, and incident reporting. Retain documentation (insurance, inspections, tax filings) in a compliance file.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Although Gillette does not require an STR‑specific license, investors should assemble and maintain the following:

• Business registration and tax accounts

  • City business licensing (if applicable) and Wyoming Department of Revenue sales/lodging tax accounts for bookings under 30 days. [link][link]

• Insurance

  • General liability (commonly $1 million per occurrence is recommended) and property coverage suited to lodging use.

• Safety and building code compliance

  • Life‑safety systems (working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, compliant egress), posting of emergency information, and any required inspections under Gillette’s adopted International Codes and fire code. [link]

• Zoning and residential standards

  • Compliance with zoning district requirements (use, setbacks, parking, signage). Gillette has not codified STR‑specific zoning restrictions; standard residential and commercial standards apply. [link]

• Guest policies and records

  • House rules, quiet hours (commonly 10 p.m.–7 a.m.), occupancy controls, and guest contact information. Maintain guest logs and communications for tax filing and any enforcement inquiries.

• Financial records

  • Booking statements and reconciliation to monthly/quarterly sales and lodging tax filings.

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

City of Gillette (Campbell County)

• Licensing: No STR‑specific license or annual cap is codified as of 2025. [link]
• Zoning: The archived zoning ordinance does not identify short‑term rentals as a prohibited or special‑use category. STRs must still conform to general zoning standards (use, parking, etc.). [link]
• Building/fire/life safety: Gillette has adopted the International Codes (IBC, IRC, IMC, IPC, NEC, IFGC) and the International Fire Code. Properties used as lodging must meet applicable safety and inspection standards. [link]
• Parking/occupancy: Standard residential and commercial rules apply. STR operators should enforce occupancy and parking to minimize nuisance issues.

Campbell County

• No county‑specific STR licensing requirements are identified in the provided sources.
• Local lodging and sales taxes may apply in addition to state taxes; confirm current rates with the Campbell County Treasurer or the Wyoming Department of Revenue. [link][link]

Wyoming State

• Short‑term rental operators must collect and remit state sales tax (4%) and state lodging tax on stays fewer than 30 days. Local lodging and/or sales taxes may also apply depending on jurisdiction. Registration is through the Wyoming Department of Revenue, and filings are periodic (monthly/quarterly depending on volume). [link]

Comparative notes (non‑binding, for context)

• Jackson and Cody require permits and inspections for STRs; Cheyenne and Buffalo have more limited or area‑specific allowances. Laramie and Gillette do not have city‑wide STR zoning codes. These examples illustrate the range across Wyoming but do not change Gillette’s current lack of STR‑specific rules. [link][link]

Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs)

Since Gillette has no dedicated STR office, the following agencies handle the relevant components:

• City of Gillette – City Hall (general business licensing, building/fire codes, zoning)

  • 201 E 5th St, Gillette, WY 82716
  • Phone: 307-686-5200
  • Website: www.gillettewy.gov/ [link]

• Gillette City Attorney’s Office – Building Codes (municipal code updates)

  • Phone: 307-686-5200
  • Document reference: Gillette Municipal Code, Chapter Five – Buildings (Revised 12-2024). [link]

• Wyoming Department of Revenue (state sales and lodging taxes)

  • Website: revenue.wyo.gov/ [link]

• Campbell County (local taxes if applicable; confirm with county treasurer)

  • Website: www.ccgov.net/ [link]

Links to Source Pages (Important)

• Gillette Short-Term Rental Laws 2026: A Complete Guide (market overview, compliance advice, no city‑specific ordinance): www.jakenfinancegroup.com/gillette-short-term-rental-laws-2026-a-complete-guide [link]
• Gillette News Record: “Long term solutions for short term rentals” (Wyoming context, regulation patterns across towns): www.gillettenewsrecord.com/news/wyoming/article_86aed3ac-5b0f-5bac-b56d-450847e2f41e.html [link]
• City of Gillette – Archived Zoning Ordinance (no STR‑specific prohibitions listed): online.encodeplus.com/regs/gillette-wy-zo/doc-viewer.aspx?secid=49 [link]
• City of Gillette – Municipal Code Chapter Five: Buildings (adopted International Codes and fire code): www.gillettewy.gov/files/assets/public/v/3/city-attorney/documents/05gcc_12-2024.pdf [link]
• City of Laramie – 2024 Council Memo (notes that Gillette has no STR‑specific zoning rules): www.cityoflaramie.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/18900?fileID=26811 [link]
• Hostaway – Wyoming Airbnb Rules & Taxes (state‑level sales/lodging tax framework, municipal examples): www.hostaway.com/blog/airbnb-rules-in-wyoming/ [link]
• City of Gillette official website (general contacts): www.gillettewy.gov/ [link]
• Campbell County official website: www.ccgov.net/ [link]
• Wyoming Department of Revenue (tax registration and guidance): revenue.wyo.gov/ [link]

Practical Guidance and Market Positioning

• Demand drivers: Gillette’s economy is tied to the energy sector, which sustains steady demand from contractors and temporary workers. Corporate‑oriented or extended‑stay listings can complement traditional leisure bookings. [link]
• Risk management: Focus on safety compliance, occupancy controls, quiet‑hour enforcement, and responsive guest support to limit nuisance complaints and code issues.
• Taxes: Implement automated collection/remittance for state sales and lodging taxes. Confirm any local lodging/sales taxes that may apply and register accordingly. [link]
• Documentation: Keep a compliance file with business registrations, insurance certificates, safety inspection records (where applicable), and monthly tax filings.

This analysis reflects the sources provided and current information available as of 2025. Because municipal codes and tax rates can change, verify requirements with the City of Gillette, Campbell County, and the Wyoming Department of Revenue before commencing operations.