Utah Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Regulations (2026 Guide)

Utah's Mighty Five national parks, world-class skiing at Park City, and booming Salt Lake City make it one of the fastest-growing STR markets in the West. Whether you already own a vacation rental in Utah or are evaluating your first investment, understanding the regulatory landscape is essential. STR laws in Utah vary significantly by city and county — and getting compliance wrong can mean fines, forced delistings, or lost income.

This guide covers Utah's approach to short-term rental regulation at the state level, then breaks down the rules in key markets investors and hosts need to know. Regulations as of 2026 — always verify current rules directly with your local municipality before listing.

If you'd like help navigating STR compliance in Utah, Awning's property management team operates in Park City, Moab, and the Zion and Bryce Canyon gateway communities and helps hosts stay compliant while maximizing revenue.

How Utah Defines a Short-Term Rental

For regulatory and tax purposes, a short-term rental in Utah is generally defined as a residential property rented for 30 consecutive days or fewer. Any rental longer than this threshold is typically treated as a long-term rental and subject to different rules.

Does Utah Require a Statewide STR License?

Utah does not require a statewide STR license. Local municipalities and counties regulate STRs, with significant variation between tourist-heavy resort towns and urban markets.

Utah Short-Term Rental Taxes

Utah imposes a 6.10% state sales and use tax on STR income, plus county tourism taxes typically ranging from 0.5–3.25%. Summit County (Park City) adds a 3.25% county transient room tax. Airbnb collects and remits state taxes automatically; local compliance varies.

Regardless of which booking platform you use, it is your responsibility as a host to ensure all applicable taxes are collected and remitted correctly. Failure to comply can result in penalties, back taxes, and potential loss of your ability to operate.

STR Regulations by City in Utah

Below are the key STR markets in Utah and their current regulatory requirements. City regulations change frequently — check with your local planning or licensing department for the most current rules before investing.

Park City / Summit County

Summit County requires a Transient Room Tax registration for all STR operators. Park City has additional permit requirements and occupancy limits. The county has debated caps on STR licenses in residential neighborhoods due to housing affordability pressures.

Moab

Moab (Grand County) has implemented an active STR regulatory regime, limiting new non-owner-occupied STR permits, requiring annual renewal, and enforcing strict occupancy and noise standards near Arches and Canyonlands national parks.

St. George

St. George requires STR operators to obtain a home occupation permit and business license. The city, a gateway to Zion National Park, has seen rapid STR growth and enforces parking, occupancy, and appearance standards in residential zones.

Key Questions to Ask Before Listing an STR in Utah

• Does your city or county require an STR permit or license?
• Are there caps on the number of STR permits in your neighborhood or zone?
• Is your property owner-occupied or non-owner-occupied — and does that distinction affect your eligibility?
• What occupancy, noise, and parking rules apply to your specific property?
• Which taxes are you responsible for collecting and remitting vs. what the platform handles?
• Does your HOA or condo association allow short-term rentals?

The Bottom Line

Utah's STR regulatory environment ranges from investor-friendly rural counties to tightly regulated resort towns and urban cores. Understanding the specific rules in your target market — not just at the state level — is what determines whether your rental operates smoothly or faces costly disruptions.

Staying on top of changing regulations is one of the most valuable things a professional property manager brings to your operation. Awning manages short-term rentals in Park City, Moab, and the Zion and Bryce Canyon gateway communities and monitors local regulatory changes so you don't have to. Reach out to learn how we can help you operate compliantly and profitably in Utah.