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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Lander, Wyoming. The city has defined and regulated short-term rentals through Ordinance 1236, which amended the city's zoning code to permit short-term rentals as conditional uses in multiple residential districts. The city's definition of short-term rental is: "a dwelling or portion of a dwelling that is rented for a period of fewer than 30 consecutive days. This includes, but is not limited to, Airbnb, VRBO and similar short-term vacation and living accommodations."

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Lander

Starting a short-term rental business in Lander requires following a structured process that begins with zoning compliance and proceeds through the conditional use permit process:

1. Property Zoning Verification

First, confirm that your property is located in an appropriate zoning district. Short-term rentals are currently allowed as conditional uses in:

• R-1 (Single Family Residential District)
• R-2 (Single- and Two-Family Residential District)
• R-3 (Single and Multi-Family Residential District)
• R-5 (Multi-Family Residential District)

2. Conditional Use Permit Application

Submit a conditional use permit application to the City of Lander. This process requires:

• Completing the official application form
• Paying associated fees
• Providing detailed site plans and property information
• Demonstrating compliance with all zoning requirements

3. Public Hearing Process

The conditional use permit requires a public hearing before the Planning Commission and/or Board of Adjustment. As part of this process:

• Notices must be sent to surrounding property owners
• The application will be reviewed for compliance with city codes
• Public comments will be considered
• The governing body will make a decision based on findings of fact and conclusions of law

4. Compliance and Ongoing Operations

Once approved, maintain ongoing compliance with all city regulations, including:

• Parking requirements
• Safety standards
• Building codes
• Any specific conditions attached to the permit

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Current Requirements (Based on Ordinance 1236)

Zoning Compliance Documents:

• Conditional Use Permit Application
• Site plans showing property boundaries, structures, and parking
• Property deed or lease documentation
• Proof of property insurance

Public Process Documentation:

• Neighbor notification proof (as required for public hearing)
• Written statements addressing compliance with city codes
• Any supporting documentation for the public hearing

Operational Compliance:

• Safety inspection documentation (fire, building codes)
• Parking plan demonstrating compliance with requirements
• Contact information for property management/responsibility

Proposed Changes (2024 Planning Commission Recommendations)

The Planning Commission has proposed allowing short-term rentals by permit in all zones, which would streamline the process from conditional use to administrative permit. This change would likely reduce processing time and public hearing requirements.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Lander

City-Level Regulations

Zoning District Requirements:

• R-1 District: Short-term rentals allowed as conditional use; minimum lot size 7,500 square feet; minimum lot width 50 feet
• R-2 District: Short-term rentals allowed as conditional use; minimum lot size varies by use type (3,750 square feet for single-family; 1,875 square feet per unit for multi-family, minimum 3,750 total); minimum lot width 50 feet
• R-3 District: Short-term rentals allowed as conditional use; minimum lot size 3,750 square feet for single-family; 3,750 square feet plus 1,250 square feet per unit for multi-family
• R-5 District: Short-term rentals allowed as conditional use; same lot requirements as R-3

Parking Requirements: Current parking standards require 1 space per bedroom for residential uses. The city has proposed reducing this requirement by 0.25 spaces per bedroom, which would apply to short-term rentals.

Building Standards: All short-term rentals must comply with current building codes and safety standards. Properties must meet all applicable fire safety, health, and building regulations.

County-Level Regulations

The provided documents focus primarily on city-level regulations. Fremont County may have additional requirements that apply to short-term rentals, particularly for properties located outside city limits. Investors should verify county requirements for their specific property location.

State-Level Regulations

Wyoming State Tax Requirements: Based on Wyoming state law, short-term rentals are subject to several taxes:

• Wyoming Sales Tax: 4% on total listing price for stays of 29 nights or less
• Wyoming Lodging Tax: 5% on total listing price for stays of 29 nights or less
• Local Sales Tax: Varies by county (typically 1-2%)
• Local Lodging Tax: Varies by county and city (typically 1-4%)

State Regulatory Framework: Wyoming does not impose specific state-level short-term rental regulations. The state leaves most rental regulation to local jurisdictions, with the Wyoming Department of Revenue administering tax collection.

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Lander Planning & Zoning Department

• Phone: (307) 332-2870
• Email: landercity@landerwyoming.org
• Website: www.landerwyoming.org
• Address: City Hall, 240 Lincoln Street, Lander, WY 82520

Key Contacts:

• Planning Commission Secretary: Available through City Hall
• City Clerk: Tami Hitshew
• Mayor: Monte Richardson

Meeting Information:

• Planning Commission meetings: Typically held monthly, check city website for schedule
• Board of Adjustment meetings: As needed for variance/appeal cases
• City Council meetings: Weekly schedule available on city website

Source Pages

1. Ordinance 1236 - Official City Ordinance cdn.county10.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ordinance-1236-updated-101520-amending-title-4-for-lot-sizes-only.pdf

2. Lander Planning Commission Meeting Packet (September 2024) mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/landerwy-pubu/MEET-Packet-2c4a9e0bf2354fc69a74efc54d0fe425.pdf

3. Zoning District Rules and Requirements mccmeetingspublic.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/landerwy-meet-d0ca557d2f834e44bbc2947f5fab19d1/ITEM-Attachment-001-f4f0624f1c6c44149ba47d8c4f6798c4.pdf

4. City of Lander Zoning Changes Meeting Announcement www.wyotoday.com/news/local/lander-zoning-changes-special-council-meeting-9-1/article_5dd19a92-b721-5943-995e-2c6c1f63fcfe.html

5. Wyoming State-Level Short-Term Rental Information www.hostaway.com/blog/airbnb-rules-in-wyoming/

6. Citizen Opposition Commentary (Provides Context for Community Perspective) cowboystatedaily.com/2020/08/31/citizens-of-lander-and-property-owners/

Important Note: The regulatory landscape for short-term rentals in Lander is evolving. The Planning Commission has proposed significant changes that would streamline the permitting process and expand where short-term rentals are allowed. Investors should verify current requirements with the City of Lander before making investment decisions, as regulations may have changed since the most recent update of this guide.