Lander, Wyoming Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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."

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Lander?

Lander hosts earn a median $26,294/year with $147 ADR and 61% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $32,972+ per year.

See the full Lander market breakdown

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

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
Lander Planning Commission Meeting Packet (September 2024) mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/landerwy-pubu/MEET-Packet-2c4a9e0bf2354fc69a74efc54d0fe425.pdf
Zoning District Rules and Requirements mccmeetingspublic.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/landerwy-meet-d0ca557d2f834e44bbc2947f5fab19d1/ITEM-Attachment-001-f4f0624f1c6c44149ba47d8c4f6798c4.pdf
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
Wyoming State-Level Short-Term Rental Information www.hostaway.com/blog/airbnb-rules-in-wyoming/
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.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Lander

Lander is a small, outdoors-oriented city in west-central Wyoming, serving as the county seat of Fremont County. With a population of roughly 7,500, it has a relaxed, frontier-meets-adventure-town character, anchored by its role as a basecamp for the Wind River Range and the surrounding wilderness. The town sits about 25 miles southwest of Riverton and roughly 140 miles west of Casper, the nearest sizable Wyoming city, while Salt Lake City lies approximately 300 miles to the southwest. Lander is well known as the headquarters of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and as a staging ground for climbers, hikers, and anglers heading into one of the most rugged and lightly visited mountain ranges in the Lower 48.

Just south of town, Sinks Canyon State Park protects the dramatic spot where the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River vanishes into a limestone cavern known as "The Sinks" and resurges a half mile downstream at a trout-filled pool called "The Rise." The park is only about 10 to 15 minutes from downtown Lander, and it draws visitors for its interpretive trails, scenic drives, and the chance to watch a river disappear and reappear in one of the West's most unusual hydrological features.

To the west and south of Lander rises the Wind River Range, one of the most celebrated wilderness landscapes in the United States. Home to Gannett Peak, the highest mountain in Wyoming, and a chain of alpine lakes, glacial cirques, and granite walls, the range attracts serious backpackers, climbers, and anglers each summer. Trailheads such as Big Sandy and the eastern approaches to the Cirque of the Towers can be reached in roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours from town, depending on the destination, and the high-country experience remains one of the quieter alpine trips left in the Rockies.

In town itself, the Museum of the American West preserves artifacts and exhibits spanning regional pioneer, ranching, and Native American history, while the compact Main Street district offers locally owned shops, galleries, and restaurants. Lander also hosts a lively summer events calendar, including rodeos, art festivals, and outdoor concerts tied to the area's longstanding creative and ranching communities, and the surrounding public lands invite day hikes, wildlife watching, and fly-fishing within easy reach of the city center.

For short-term-rental owners, Lander's appeal lies in its combination of small-town character and big-wilderness access. Visitors come specifically to unplug and pursue outdoor adventures, and they tend to stay multiple nights while basing themselves near the trailheads. With a modest year-round population, healthy summer tourism flows, and a striking high-desert-meets-mountain setting, the town offers investors a distinctive niche in Wyoming's short-term rental market.

Lander, Wyoming

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STR Regulations for Lander, Wyoming