Turn Your Yard Into an Event Site
Recently, my back yard was the site of a wedding reception. In the past, we have hosted a rehearsal dinner, graduation parties and other events open to family and invited guests. In recent weeks I have been asked by several people who have large yards or unused buildings if they can offer their premises to the public and make a bit of extra income. The short answer is no, not without spending time, money and aggravation to secure required permits.
If a homeowner receives payment to rent her/his property, it is considered a business and must comply with applicable city and county requirements, including securing a conditional use permit from the city or county clerk's office. The process is not easy, takes time and can be expensive. There will be a public hearing; you will need to provide adequate off-street parking, comply with noise ordinances and much more. If you attempt to operate without the required permits, your party can be closed down by the police if someone complains about noise, too many cars, you block a fire lane or another issue arises. That could be disastrous, and embarrassing, for those who rented your space.
If you secure a conditional use permit, after it is granted you will need to register a business name and entity type (LLC, corporation, etc.) with the Idaho Secretary of State's office. Liability insurance will be required to protect both the homeowner and the renters. Check first with your homeowner's insurance company to find out if they will insure the business. If not, contact an independent insurance agency.
You may have a lovely yard, a vacant barn or something similar that could benefit others, but before accepting money, be sure to do your homework. You can, however, host an occasional private event for family and friends as long as neighbors don't complain.
If you use your property for any money-making endeavor, including such things as allowing family and friends to store vehicles like RVs or boats on your property and you accept payment, you are considered a business. As such, your city may have ordinances with which you need to comply, so be sure to check.
If a homeowner receives payment to rent her/his property, it is considered a business and must comply with applicable city and county requirements, including securing a conditional use permit from the city or county clerk's office. The process is not easy, takes time and can be expensive. There will be a public hearing; you will need to provide adequate off-street parking, comply with noise ordinances and much more. If you attempt to operate without the required permits, your party can be closed down by the police if someone complains about noise, too many cars, you block a fire lane or another issue arises. That could be disastrous, and embarrassing, for those who rented your space.
If you secure a conditional use permit, after it is granted you will need to register a business name and entity type (LLC, corporation, etc.) with the Idaho Secretary of State's office. Liability insurance will be required to protect both the homeowner and the renters. Check first with your homeowner's insurance company to find out if they will insure the business. If not, contact an independent insurance agency.
You may have a lovely yard, a vacant barn or something similar that could benefit others, but before accepting money, be sure to do your homework. You can, however, host an occasional private event for family and friends as long as neighbors don't complain.
If you use your property for any money-making endeavor, including such things as allowing family and friends to store vehicles like RVs or boats on your property and you accept payment, you are considered a business. As such, your city may have ordinances with which you need to comply, so be sure to check.
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