ATTENTION:  Beginning November 20, 2023, the Town of Jackson Planning department will only accept Short-Term rental BUP applications using the Smartgov Public Portal. Emailed applications will no longer be accepted or processed.  To access the Smartgov Public Portal to create a user account, use the link provided below. All other Planning applications should be emailed to planning@jacksonwy.gov and Building applications should be emailed to townbuilding@jacksonwy.gov.

Smartgov User Instructions - to access detailed step-by-step instructions                                                                                     Smartgov Public Portal - to create an account and submit applications

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AS THE SHORT-TERM RENTAL PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS HAVE CHANGED:

Purpose

This webpage is intended to provide helpful information to landowners and the general public on the Town’s rules for approving and enforcing short-term rentals (STRs). In particular, the Town will be implementing a new program to allow STRs in residential neighborhoods starting on January 1, 2024 (see LDR Sec. 6.1.5.C. and below for details). Please note that the process and rules for approving STRs inside vs. outside the Lodging Overlay are different.

Map of Lodging Overlay

Definition: Short-term rental means the rental of all or a portion of a residential unit such that occupancy is limited to fewer than 30 consecutive days. (see LDR Sec. 6.1.5.C.1)

What is required?

To legally operate a STR, you need both a business license and a Basic Use Permit (BUP).

•    Business license: A business license must be obtained by applying to the Town’s Finance Department (for more information on applying for a business license, please see Business Licenses). Business licenses must be renewed each year.

•    Basic Use Permit (BUP): All STRs in the Town require approval of a BUP from the Planning Department. **Please note that there are important differences for BUP requirements between STRs located inside and outside of the Town’s Lodging Overlay and Planned Resort Zone (see the Town GIS for the location of the Lodging Overlay and Planned Resort Zone).

o    STRs located inside the Lodging Overlay/Planned Resort Zone: Requires an initial BUP (standard BUP) with no need to renew the BUP annually. Neighbor Noticing is not required inside the Lodging Overlay.

o    STRs located outside the Lodging Overlay/Planned Resort Zone (i.e. residential zones): Requires an initial BUP (this special BUP is named "BUP-Short Term Rentals") and annual approval (renewal) of the new BUP each year the STR is operated. Neighbor Noticing is required outside the Lodging Overlay each year.

Summary of additional requirements for STRs located outside of the Lodging Overlay/Planned Resort Zone (see LDR Sec. 6.1.5.C.2 for full details)

•    Limited to a maximum of 3 separate stays at the STR per calendar year

•    Limited to a maximum of 60 total rental nights for each STR unit per calendar year

•    Limited to the following zones: NL-1 to NL-5, NM-1, NM-2, NH-1, R, MHP, and OR

•    Requires annual neighbor notification within 200’ of STR property for each year of STR operation

•    The BUP for the STR expires each year on December 31

•    Properties that violate the STRs requirements will not be issued a BUP for a minimum of five years

•    A lease agreement for 30 days or more but that limits occupancy to less than 30 days (e.g., two weeks) is considered a short-term lease and so must meet the requirements for STRs listed above

Process

•    How Long: BUPs may take up to 45 days after application is deemed sufficient. Business license may take up to 30 days.

•    Who Decides: Planning Director for BUPs and Finance Director for business licenses.

Helpful Tips

•    Starting January 1, 2024, the Town will begin to allow homes outside of the Lodging Overlay (i.e., residential neighborhoods) to rent short-term per LDR Sec. 6.1.5.C.

•    For existing approved STRs inside the Lodging Overlay (i.e Snow King Resort, downtown), there are no significant changes other than your existing "STR" business license will be automatically converted by the Town into a “regular” business license (business license number will stay the same). Please renew your business license annually with the Finance Department as instructed in the renewal letter.

•    If your residence is located in a development with a Homeowner’s Association, you must provide written approval from the HOA to apply for a new STR.

•    For STRs located outside of the Lodging Overlay, it is the obligation of the STR owner/manager to provide the Town with timely and accurate information on the 3 annual rentals using the Town’s fillable pdf rental form (see below). The form must be submitted to the Planning Department at planning@jacksonwy.gov and updated for each change in rental period. This form can be submitted with the BUP application if a rental date(s) is already known, or can be submitted after BUP approval when the rental dates are booked.

 •  For STRs located outside of the Lodging Overlay, the maximum of 60 total rental nights per calendar year applies to the property/unit as a whole, no matter how many bedrooms are being rented.

•    The business license and BUP may be applied for concurrently to save time.

How to Apply 

Apply for a Basic Use Permit 

The purpose of the BUP application is to request short term rental as a use for your property. Please use the Smartgov portal system to apply for your STR permit (General Instructions for how to use Smartgov are pending, but will be available beginning November 20, 2023).

• Basic Use Permit (BUP) - inside the Lodging Overlay
• Basic Use Permit (BUP - Short Term Rentals) - outside the Lodging Overlay (available on Smartgov beginning November 20, 2023)

Apply for a Business License

• Business Licenses

Additional Submittal Requirements (will be submitted with BUP application in Smartgov, available beginning November 20, 2023)

These requirements apply to STRs outside of the Lodging Overlay. All application submittals must include the following required items:

• Completed Submittal Checklist Form (see PDF below)
• Narrative - Description of use
• Rental Dates and Number of Nights Rented (see PDF below) - all updates to rental dates must be submitted to planning@jacksonwy.gov
• Notarized Letter of Authorization or Warranty Deed
• Letter from HOA (if applicable)
• Notice to Neighbors within 200 feet (see template below)
• Parking Plan
• Floor Plan