Purpose

This  application is to register as a short term rental, such as those homes found on sites like Airbnb, etc.

Application Requirements:

• Check zoning

• Check the Structure Requirements found on this page.

• Parking

• Business registration

• Life safety inspection

To start an online application you will need to create an account by setting up a user name and password. A confirmation email will be sent to the email you have provided. After your account has been created, proceed to fill out the appropriate application for your project. 

Building Requirements: 

• Each dwelling unit needs to have a 36" x 6'8" door to the public way.

• 6'8” finishing height on the stairs is required.  Stairs are required to be lit.  Handrails are installed with 4 or more continuous stairs.  (Finishing height is from the nose of the step to the finished ceiling.)

• All life-safety must be up to date.

• Egress windows in sleeping rooms need to have 5.7 square feet of openable space.

• Opening of windows have a maximum sill height of 44" above the floor level.

• Entrance stairs from the outside are code compliant.  Stairs need 7 3/4" rise and 10" tread.

• Minimum hallway width is 36" and height is 6'8".

• All livable space has a 7 ft. minimum ceiling height.

• House numbers need to be clearly displayed. 

• Parking:  2 spaces for the house and 1 additional space for each rented room. 

• Building changes require that you apply for a building permit.

Electrical Requirements:

• Bathroom fan or openable window is provided.

• Outlets are GFCI protected in bathroom, kitchen countertop and outside areas.

• Electrical wiring is protected with covers installed; no cords for permanent wiring.

• A licensed electrician is required, that is not the owner, to do the work when working on a rental property.

Mechanical Requirements: 

• A licensed mechanical contractor is required, that is not the owner, to do the work when working on a rental property.

Plumbing Requirements:

• A licensed plumber is required, that is not the owner, to do the work when working on a rental property.

Fire Requirements:

• Smoke detectors are installed and functional in halls and bedrooms to meet current code.

• CO detectors are installed and functional in hallways outside sleeping areas.

• In plain sight in the kitchen, a fire extinguisher (class 2A10BC minimum) is installed and functional.

ORDINANCE

ORDINANCE 1308 LINK

Short-term rentals located in TAG, RR1, RR2, LDR1, LDR2, and LDR3 zones require the owner or a manager to live on-site. In all other zones, the owner, a manager, or the owner's agent must be available in Madison County, ID.

Step 1:  Determine your property's zoning

• Search for your address on this REXBURG PARCEL VIEWER MAP LINK

• Click the Layer List button on the top left, Expand Planning & Zoning, Check Zoning and Zoning Label boxes

Zoning labels:

STEP 2:  RENTAL INFORMATION. DEVELOPMENT CODE 1200 LINK

STEP 3:  MEET SITE AND BUILDING SAFETY REQUIREMENTS INSPECTION LINK.

**Please note that additional inspections, permits, or fees may be required if the building does not meet the building safety requirements after the first inspection or if it has other issues not listed.

STEP 4:  APPLY FOR REGISTRATION USING THE  PUBLIC PORTAL LINK

You will need to sign up for an account in order to start the registration process.  After submitting your application, staff will review the information provided and call for payment.

STEP 5:  INSPECTION

Staff will schedule a time for your property to be inspected for the Building Safety Requirements.  Since your property will be open to the public, the property is being checked to make sure basic measures are in place to make the building safe in case of an emergency situation.  Additional inspections may be needed to ensure the Building Safety Requirements are met.

STEP 6:  THE PROPERTY IS REGISTERED WITH THE CITY.  The City Clerk records the Business Registration and a certificate will be mailed or emailed to you.  Please keep this document handy so you can present it if needed.

STEP 7:  ANNUAL RENEWAL FEE.  There is an annual renewal fee that will need to be submitted to the city to retain the short-term rental registration each year.

**Be advised three (3) violations of City ordinances concerning the property will trigger revoking of short-term rental registration.

*Safari, Chrome, and Firefox browsers are recommended for online permit applications.