🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Jackson, WY
Jackson Puts a Cap on Big Rentals: New Size Rules for STRs
Jackson Puts a Cap on Big Rentals: New Size Rules for STRs
The Jackson Design Review Committee made waves at its latest meeting with a new regulation aimed squarely at short-term rentals (STRs). Going forward, rental properties can’t exceed 1,500 square feet. That means anyone hoping to convert a sprawling mountain home into a nightly rental will have to scale back—big properties are no longer welcome in the STR pool.
This shift wasn’t made lightly. Community members have been voicing concerns about the way oversized rentals can eat into local housing availability and disrupt neighborhood character. A large STR often means higher rents, more guests crowding into quiet streets, and a steady churn of visitors. By setting a size cap, the committee is signaling a desire to keep STRs more modest and less intrusive.
Importantly, this rule doesn’t come with an easy escape clause. Existing homes larger than 1,500 square feet won’t be “grandfathered in” unless they’re already registered as STRs. In other words, if you weren’t on the books before, you won’t be allowed to rent out your big property now.
STRisker Government Office Dashboard
Trying to keep up with the main players in the STR game? Know your councilmembers, commissioners, committee chairs, and key staff that are part of the process.
While STRs took center stage, the committee also reaffirmed its commitment to Jackson’s unique identity through another policy: preserving its dark sky certification. This designation helps protect the area’s breathtaking natural night skies by reducing light pollution. Committee members reviewed measures like limiting architectural lighting and cutting back on string lights, keeping the stars visible and the nights peaceful.
Another key topic was making sure design guidelines are up-to-date and accessible online. Several members flagged that current resources are outdated, which has been causing headaches for homeowners and developers trying to navigate the process. The committee promised to refresh those guidelines and make them easier to find, ensuring smoother approvals in the future.
Together, these decisions paint a clear picture: Jackson wants growth and tourism, but on its own terms. The 1,500-square-foot rental cap is a direct response to local worries about affordability and neighborhood feel, while the dark sky focus underscores a commitment to sustainability. With clearer guidelines on the horizon, residents can expect a more transparent process going forward.
For Jackson, it’s about balance—welcoming visitors without losing the essence of what makes the community livable for locals.
Stay Updated with STRisker
STRisker offers tools and features to keep you updated with the Short-Term Rental movement across the U.S.
👍 We’d love your feedback.
We're always looking for ways to improve Bulletins.
Was this one useful to you? Other topics you'd like to see get covered?
✉️ Just reply directly to this email. We read and respond to every message!
-Will McClure
🙋 P.S.
Know someone else who should be reading this Bulletin? Feel free to forward this along. We want to make sure operators and stakeholders are aware of regulatory changes in their area.