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Deadwood

South Dakota · United States
Restricted
Last updated: 2026-07-29  ·  Last verified: 2026-07-29  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Deadwood Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusRestricted — rules apply
Permit / License RequiredYes
Tax RateSouth Dakota state sales tax (4.5%) + 1.5% municipal gross receipts tax + local Deadwood tourism taxes; SD Dept. of Revenue tax license required
Minimum StayNo minimum stay specified, except: Chapter 17.53 exempts transient commercial use of residential property for 14 days or less during the Sturgis Motor
Permit FeeCity of Deadwood Business License (fee amount: contact City Finance Office at 605-578-2600 Ext. 5); City of Deadwood Short-Term Rental License; Condit
PenaltiesViolations of Chapter 17.53 subject to city code enforcement action; specific penalty amounts not publicly listed on official page
Occupancy LimitNot specified in publicly available documents; subject to CUP conditions reviewed annually
Browse all 5 STR regulations in South Dakota → Browse all 535 STR regulations in United States →

Deadwood Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Deadwood Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rentals in Deadwood, South Dakota are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are City of Deadwood Business License (fee amount: contact City Finance Office at 605-578-2600 Ext. 5); .

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Deadwood

Short-term rental operators in Deadwood should be aware of these tax obligations: South Dakota state sales tax (4.5%) + 1.5% municipal gross receipts tax + local Deadwood tourism taxes; SD Dept. of Revenue tax license required.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Deadwood

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Deadwood include: Occupancy limit: Not specified in publicly available documents; subject to CUP conditions reviewed annually. Minimum stay: No minimum stay specified, except: Chapter 17.53 exempts transient commercial use of residential property for 14 days or.

Zoning and Location Requirements in Deadwood

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Deadwood: HIGHLY RESTRICTED: Under Deadwood City Ordinance Chapter 17.53, transient commercial use of residential property is expressly prohibited (banned in residential zones). STRs (Bed & Breakfast Establishm. Density rules: Not specified beyond zoning district restrictions.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Deadwood

Hosts who fail to comply with Deadwood's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Violations of Chapter 17.53 subject to city code enforcement action; specific penalty amounts not publicly listed on official page.

Platform Obligations in Deadwood

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Deadwood: Not specified in ordinance; state tax obligations apply regardless of platform.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Restricted
License / Registration
Yes
Tax Registration
Yes
Permit Fee
City of Deadwood Business License (fee amount: contact City Finance Office at 605-578-2600 Ext. 5); City of Deadwood Short-Term Rental License; Conditional Use Permit (CUP) required; enrollment in Business Improvement District Tax 1–7; commercial water and refuse accounts required
Occupancy Limit
Not specified in publicly available documents; subject to CUP conditions reviewed annually
Tax Rate
South Dakota state sales tax (4.5%) + 1.5% municipal gross receipts tax + local Deadwood tourism taxes; SD Dept. of Revenue tax license required
Zoning Restrictions
HIGHLY RESTRICTED: Under Deadwood City Ordinance Chapter 17.53, transient commercial use of residential property is expressly prohibited (banned in residential zones). STRs (Bed & Breakfast Establishments, Specialty Resorts, Vacation Home Establishments) are ONLY permitted in Commercial and Commercial Highway zoning districts with an approved Conditional Use Permit. Bed & Breakfast Establishments are allowed in Residential zones only with a CUP. Specialty Resorts and Vacation Home Establishments: Commercial/Commercial Highway zones only.
Minimum Stay
No minimum stay specified, except: Chapter 17.53 exempts transient commercial use of residential property for 14 days or less during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally period each August (4 days before official start through 3 days after end)
Density Rules
Not specified beyond zoning district restrictions
Platform Obligations
Not specified in ordinance; state tax obligations apply regardless of platform
Compliance Notes
All approved Conditional Use Permits are reviewed annually by the Deadwood Planning and Zoning Commission and Board. Annual CUP renewal requires: (1) Proof of South Dakota State Excise Tax compliance (SD Dept. of Revenue); (2) Proof of Lodging License from SD Dept. of Health; (3) Enrollment in Business Improvement District Tax 1–7; (4) City of Deadwood Business License; (5) City of Deadwood Short-Term Rental License; (6) Commercial water and refuse accounts. Deadwood is a National Historic Landmark — historic preservation guidelines may impose additional building/aesthetic requirements.
Effective Date
Deadwood began regulating vacation home rentals approximately 30 years ago; Chapter 17.53 current version in force; annual CUP review cycle ongoing
Key Notes
Deadwood has some of the strictest STR regulations in South Dakota. Traditional Airbnb/VRBO-style rentals in residential zones are effectively illegal under Ch. 17.53. The August Sturgis Motorcycle Rally exemption (≤14 days in residential zones) provides a narrow legal window for residential property rentals. Deadwood Planning & Zoning: 108 Sherman Street, Deadwood, SD 57732; Tel: 605-578-2082.
Penalties
Violations of Chapter 17.53 subject to city code enforcement action; specific penalty amounts not publicly listed on official page
Additional Context
Deadwood attracts approximately 3.5–4 million visits per year to a town of ~1,300 residents (per city planning staff). The city's strict STR approach is driven by its National Historic Landmark status and the need to preserve residential housing stock. South Dakota House Bill 1149 (2024), which would have prohibited local STR bans statewide, did not pass.
Sources
City of Deadwood Official STR Page: https://www.cityofdeadwood.com/planning/page/short-term-rental-information
City of Deadwood Code Enforcement / Ordinances: https://www.cityofdeadwood.com/planning/page/code-enforcement
SD News Watch reporting: https://www.sdnewswatch.org/deadwood-lead-airbnb-short-term-rentals-black-hills-housing/
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Deadwood?

Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Deadwood but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. All approved Conditional Use Permits are reviewed annually by the Deadwood Planning and Zoning Commission and Board. Annual CUP renewal requires: (1) Proof of South Dakota State Excise Tax compliance

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Deadwood?

Yes. Deadwood requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Deadwood?

Short-term rental hosts in Deadwood are subject to the following tax obligations: South Dakota state sales tax (4.5%) + 1.5% municipal gross receipts tax + local Deadwood tourism taxes; SD Dept. of Revenue tax license required.

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Deadwood?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Deadwood may face enforcement. Violations of Chapter 17.53 subject to city code enforcement action; specific penalty amounts not publicly listed on official page.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Deadwood?

Deadwood has some of the strictest STR regulations in South Dakota. Traditional Airbnb/VRBO-style rentals in residential zones are effectively illegal under Ch. 17.53. The August Sturgis Motorcycle Rally exemption (≤14 days in residential zones) provides a narrow legal window for residential property rentals. Deadwood Planning & Zoning: 108 Sherman Street, Deadwood, SD 57732; Tel: 605-578-2082.

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