Summer on Flathead Lake is hard to beat. If you own a place in Lakeside, you might be wondering if you can offer it as a short-term rental for a few weeks. You want to do it right, protect your property, and stay on the right side of local rules. In this guide, you’ll learn what to check first, which permits and licenses may apply, and how lakeshore rules affect your plans. Let’s dive in.
Start with parcel zoning
Your first step is to confirm zoning. In Flathead County, whether you need a county short-term rental permit depends on your parcel’s zoning status. Zoned parcels often require an administrative conditional-use permit with performance standards. Unzoned parcels may not need a zoning permit, but other rules still apply.
How to check zoning
Use the county’s parcel tools to confirm your zoning and see which rules apply. Start with the county’s guide on how to look up parcel zoning and regulations: Flathead County zoning information.
County performance standards
If your parcel is in a zoned area, review the short-term rental standards and permit steps. Expect requirements like adequate off-street parking, occupancy limits, a 24/7 local contact, and neighbor notification during the permit process. Learn more on the Flathead County short-term rentals page.
Get your health license
Nightly or weekly rentals in Flathead County generally require a Montana Public Accommodation license. This is handled locally through Flathead City-County Environmental Health and often includes a plan review and inspections before you host guests. See the steps for tourist homes and vacation rentals under Sleeping Accommodations.
Understand taxes on short-term stays
Montana applies a combined state lodging facility tax to vacation rentals. You must register and remit the tax or confirm that your marketplace platform handles collection and remittance on your behalf. Start with the Montana Department of Revenue guidance.
Some Montana communities also have a local resort tax. Lakeside is unincorporated, so many parcels are outside resort tax areas, but it’s smart to confirm your property’s status using local resort tax resources.
Waterfront rules: docks, wakes, and septic
Waterfront properties come with extra layers of protection. Shoreline and dock work usually requires a permit. Before you build or modify a dock, add a boat lift, or alter the shoreline, contact county planning. Review permit triggers and the lakeshore protection zone at Lakeshore Information.
If guests will use boats, point them to local boating and wake rules on Flathead Lake. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks provides lake-specific rules, including no-wake areas. Get familiar with the Flathead Lake boating regulations.
Finally, confirm your septic and water capacity. Environmental Health often checks that your system can support your intended occupancy and turnover. You can start those conversations through the county’s Sleeping Accommodations page.
HOAs and private rules
Private covenants can be stricter than county rules. Some HOAs limit or prohibit short-term rentals, dock use, parking, or noise. County permits do not override private covenants, so review your CC&Rs and board policies before you list.
Safety, insurance, and day-to-day operations
Short-term rentals work best when safety and response are covered. Plan for smoke and CO alarms, fire extinguishers, clear exit routes, and posted house rules and emergency contacts. Flathead County requires a 24/7 local contact who can respond to issues quickly.
Talk with your insurer about coverage. Many homeowners policies limit short-term rental use. You may need a short-term rental endorsement or umbrella policy. Your management choice matters too. Decide whether you will self-manage and meet response times or hire local help.
Lakeside market context
Zoning is an active topic in Lakeside. Proposals have been debated and revised in recent years, so it pays to verify current rules and any pending actions before you list. A recent update on local discussions is in the Flathead Beacon’s coverage of Lakeside zoning proposals.
Seasonal demand is strong around Flathead Lake, especially in summer. Montana state park visitation remains high, which supports peak-season bookings. For context, see the Beacon’s report on Montana State Parks visitation.
Step-by-step checklist
- Confirm parcel zoning and applicable rules using the county’s tools. If zoned, determine whether an administrative conditional-use permit applies. Review short-term rental standards.
- Start your Public Accommodation license process and schedule any required inspections through Environmental Health.
- Register for state lodging taxes or confirm marketplace collection using Department of Revenue guidance, and check for any local resort tax obligations.
- Review CC&Rs and HOA rules for rental or dock restrictions.
- Verify septic capacity and water supply for your intended guest occupancy.
- If you plan any dock or shoreline work, contact county planning and review Lakeshore Information.
- Prepare operations: 24/7 local contact, parking plan, posted house rules, and guest safety info including boating rules.
- Discuss insurance coverage and whether you will self-manage or hire local support.
- Understand how your rental activity may be treated for federal taxes and participation rules in IRS Publication 925.
Ready to evaluate your options, buy a lakeside property with rental potential, or position your current home for the market? Connect with the local, hands-on team at Montana Property Brokers for tailored guidance.
FAQs
Do you need a county permit to rent a Lakeside waterfront home?
- It depends on your parcel’s zoning. Zoned parcels typically require a county short-term rental permit with performance standards, while unzoned parcels may not. Other approvals, like health licensing, still apply.
What license do you need before hosting short stays?
- A Montana Public Accommodation license administered locally by Flathead City-County Environmental Health is usually required for nightly or weekly rentals, with plan review and inspections.
Are docks and shoreline amenities regulated if you host guests?
- Yes. Many dock or shoreline changes need a lakeshore construction permit, and you should brief guests on boating and wake rules for Flathead Lake.
Will a platform collect Montana lodging taxes for you?
- Some platforms collect and remit state lodging taxes, but you are responsible for confirming collection and maintaining your registrations and records.
Can HOA rules block short-term rentals even if the county allows them?
- Yes. Private covenants and HOA rules can prohibit or restrict short-term rentals and are enforceable regardless of county permitting.
