Overview: STR Status in Pinedale, WY

Short-term rentals are allowed in Pinedale, Wyoming, but are heavily regulated. The Town of Pinedale passed Ordinance 682 in Spring 2021, creating Article XLI of Chapter 475 in the Municipal Code regarding Short-Term Rental properties, which went into enforcement on October 1, 2021. This ordinance establishes specific regulations for various zoning districts within Town limits and requires compliance with inspection, permitting, and operational standards. Properties that do not meet the criteria stipulated in Ordinance 682 must cease operations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Pinedale

Step 1: Determine Zoning Compliance

Before proceeding, you must verify that your property is located in a zoning district that permits short-term rentals. STRs are allowed in specific zones, and the allowable activities vary by district.

Step 2: Complete Required Inspections and Documentation

All STR properties must undergo a safety inspection and meet specific requirements before receiving permit approval.

Step 3: Submit Application and Fees

Complete the official Short-Term Rental Permit Application and submit it along with required documentation and fees to the Town of Pinedale Planning & Zoning Department.

Step 4: Display Permit Information

Once approved, you must display your permit number or an image of the permit when posting advertisements or descriptions of your STR on any website.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Municipal Requirements (Town of Pinedale)

Required Documentation:

• Completed Short-Term Rental Permit Application
• Property safety inspection completion
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of Department of Revenue (DOR) registration (if self-advertising)
• Proof of notification to neighbors (required for zones A, R-S, R-1, R-2, and R-2A)
• Application fee payment

Types of Permits:

• Owner-Hosted STR Permit
• Owner Non-Hosted STR Permit (owner must live within 30 miles of property)

Permit Fees:

• Application fee (amount varies - contact town for current fee schedule)

Zoning Districts Where STRs Are Permitted:

• Agricultural (A)
• Commercial (C-1, C-2)
• Residential (R-S, R-1, R-2, R-2A)

County Requirements (Sublette County)

Additional Permits May Be Required:

• Conditional Use Permit from Sublette County Planning and Zoning Commission
• Approval by Board of County Commissioners
• Compliance with Chapter 14 of the 2023 Draft Zoning & Development Regulations

State Requirements (Wyoming)

Tax Obligations:

• 4% lodging tax on all bookings (collected and remitted by hosts)
• State tax registration through Wyoming Department of Revenue

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Town of Pinedale Municipal Code (Article XLI)

Operational Requirements:

• STRs must comply with all applicable zoning district regulations
• Property managers must be identified (self or other)
• All advertising must include permit number or permit image
• Safety inspections must be completed prior to occupancy
• Neighbor notification required for residential zones (A, R-S, R-1, R-2, R-2A)

Structure Types Permitted:

• Accessory Dwelling Unit, Detached (Guest House)
• Single Family Dwelling, Detached
• Single Family Dwelling, Attached (Duplex)
• Townhouse
• Other (specific approval required)

Hosting Requirements:

• Hosted: Owner lives on premises during rental periods
• Non-Hosted: Owner must live within 30 miles of property and be available to respond to issues in reasonable time

Insurance Requirements:

• Commercial insurance mandates as specified in ordinance

Occupancy and Density:

• Regulations established to minimize adverse effects from high turnover rates
• Specific occupancy rates determined by zoning district

Sublette County Regulations

Conditional Use Permit Process:

• Application to Planning and Zoning Commission
• Public hearing process
• Final approval by Board of County Commissioners
• Fee: $500 (for conditional use permits in general)

County Zoning Compliance:

• Must comply with county zoning and development regulations
• Chapter 14 specifically addresses Short-Term Rentals

Wyoming State Regulations

Lodging Tax:

• 4% tax on all short-term rental bookings
• Must be collected and remitted by property owners
• Supports local tourism efforts

Department of Revenue Registration:

• Required for self-advertising properties
• State tax registration mandatory

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Town of Pinedale Planning & Zoning Department

Physical Address: Town Hall 205 Entertainment Lane P.O. Box 709 Pinedale, WY 82941

Phone: (307) 367-4136 Fax: (307) 367-2578 Email: paz@townofpinedale.us

Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

General Town Information: Phone: (307) 367-4136 Email: info@townofpinedale.us

Sublette County Planning & Zoning

Physical Address: P.O. Box 250 21 South Tyler Ave. Pinedale, WY 82941

Phone: (307) 367-4372

Wyoming Department of Revenue

Website: Revenue.wyo.gov Phone: (307) 777-7961

Source Links and References

Town of Pinedale Official Documents

• Ordinance 682 - Complete Text
• Short-Term Rental Application Form
• Short-Term Rental Inspection Form
• Town Municipal Code
• Variance Application
• Fee Schedule Resolution 2023-06
• Permits & Licenses Page

Sublette County Documents

• 2023 Draft Zoning & Development Regulations - Chapter 14: Short-Term Rentals
• Current Zoning & Development Regulations
• Planning & Zoning Board Information
• Applications & Forms

News and Background Information

• Public Notice - STR Implementation
• Council Tables STR Ordinance (2021)

Helpful Resources

• Sublette County GIS Maps
• Town Code Search

Important Notes for Investors

1. Compliance Deadline: As of October 1, 2021, all existing STRs were required to comply with Ordinance 682 or cease operations.

2. Zoning Verification: Always verify zoning compliance before purchasing property for STR use, as restrictions vary significantly by district.

3. Enforcement: The Town works with external contract agencies to enforce STR regulations, and non-compliance can result in fines and operational shutdowns.

4. Market Considerations: Pinedale experiences strong seasonal tourism demand, particularly during summer months for outdoor recreation and winter months for snow sports.

5. Neighborhood Impact: The ordinance was specifically designed to balance STR revenue generation with maintaining residential neighborhood character, which should guide investment strategies.