Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in American Fork, UT?

Short-term rentals are explicitly prohibited in American Fork, Utah. This is established in American Fork City Code Section 17.5.134 regarding accessory apartments, which states: "Short term rental prohibited. No portion or room of a main dwelling or accessory apartment shall be rented more than one time in any thirty-day period."

Critical Note: There appears to be a regulatory inconsistency, as American Fork's 2023-2024 fee schedule includes a "Short-Term Rental Business License" fee of $80.00. Investors should clarify this discrepancy with city authorities before proceeding with any STR investment.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Given the explicit prohibition in American Fork's municipal code, starting a traditional STR business is not viable within city limits. However, investors should consider the following alternatives:

1. Verify Current Regulations: Contact the American Fork Planning Department to confirm whether the prohibition has been updated or if specific zoning districts allow STRs.

2. Explore Adjacent Areas: Consider properties in unincorporated Utah County or neighboring cities with more favorable STR regulations.

3. Alternative Rental Strategies: Consider converting properties to long-term rentals or mid-term rentals (31+ days) which are not subject to the same prohibitions.

4. Accessory Apartment Conversion: If you own a single-family home, converting to a long-term accessory apartment may be permitted under American Fork's accessory apartment regulations.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Current American Fork Requirements

For Accessory Apartments (Long-term rentals only):

• Compliance with American Fork City Code Section 17.5.134
• Owner-occupied requirement (owner must live in either main dwelling or accessory apartment)
• Building permits for construction/remodeling
• Zoning compliance verification
• Parking requirements (2 additional off-street spaces beyond the main dwelling's requirement)

Business Licensing:

• Annual Business License Processing Fee: $40.00 (if operating any business from the property)
• Initial Landlord Permit Fee: $50.00
• Annual Landlord Permit Renewal: $25.00

Safety and Building Requirements:

• Compliance with building codes and ordinance requirements
• Separate utility meters (water, gas, electricity) in property owner's name
• Address requirements (principal dwelling as Unit A, accessory apartment as Unit B)
• Interior access requirement between main living area and accessory apartment
• Egress windows compliance per Utah State Code Section 10-9a-511.5

Specific Regulations for American Fork, Utah County, and State

American Fork City Regulations

Zoning and Use Restrictions:

• Accessory apartments permitted only in single-family residential zones
• Maximum of one accessory apartment per single-family home
• No accessory apartments allowed in multi-family dwelling units
• Accessory apartments not calculated as additional density

Occupancy Limitations:

• One person living alone; OR
• Two or more persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption, and not more than two unrelated persons; OR
• Up to four unrelated individuals

Physical Requirements:

• Dedicated entrance on side, rear, or below-grade front of home
• Separate living areas for eating, sleeping, and sanitation
• Outside appearance must maintain single-family home characteristics
• Interior access between main dwelling and accessory apartment

Parking Requirements:

• Two additional off-street parking spaces required
• No parking spaces in front or side yards except within approved driveway
• Tandem parking within driveway permitted

Utah County Regulations

Utah County does not impose specific STR regulations, leaving them to individual municipalities. Properties outside city limits (unincorporated areas) may be subject to different rules and enforcement by the county.

State of Utah Regulations

Utah State Code Requirements:

• Egress windows compliance per Section 10-9a-511.5
• Water efficiency standards (Chapter 17.21 of American Fork Municipal Code)
• Building code compliance for construction and remodeling
• GRAMA (Government Records Access and Management Act) requirements for public records

Contact Information

Primary Contacts

American Fork City Hall

• Address: 31 North Church Street, American Fork, UT 84003
• Phone: (801) 763-3000
• Website: www.americanfork.gov

Planning Department

• Director: Patrick O'Brien
• Phone: (801) 763-3000

Building Department

• Residential Building Division fees and inspections
• Phone: (801) 763-3000

Business Licensing

• Processing Fee: $40.00
• Phone: (801) 763-3000

Fire Marshal

• Fire inspections associated with business licenses
• Phone: (801) 763-3000

State-Level Resources

Utah State Code: For state-level regulations affecting building and safety standards

Central Utah Water Conservancy District: Provides water conservation recommendations referenced in American Fork's water efficiency standards

Links to Source Pages

American Fork Municipal Code and Documents

1. American Fork Code of Ordinances - Accessory Apartments (Section 17.5.134)

   • www.americanfork.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10077/175134-Accessory-Apartments

2. American Fork City Council Meeting Minutes - June 13, 2023

   • www.utah.gov/pmn/files/989751.pdf

3. 2023-2024 General Fee Schedule

   • Available through American Fork City Hall or website

Regional Resources

4. TruStay Property Management - Utah County STR Overview
   • www.trustaypm.com/post/short-term-rental-regulations-in-utah-county-what-you-need-to-know

Important Investment Considerations

Regulatory Risk: The explicit prohibition in American Fork's municipal code represents significant regulatory risk for STR investors. The presence of a STR business license fee creates confusion that requires immediate clarification with city authorities.

Market Alternatives: Consider adjacent markets such as unincorporated Utah County or neighboring cities that may have more favorable STR regulations.

Legal Compliance: Any attempt to operate a STR in violation of Section 17.5.134 could result in enforcement action, fines, and forced shutdown of operations.

Future Regulatory Changes: Monitor city council meetings and planning commission agendas for potential regulatory updates that may affect STR operations.

This guide reflects current regulations as of the provided source documents. Investors should verify current requirements with city authorities before making investment decisions.