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

• Yes. Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Bountiful only when operated within an approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Rentals of the entire single-family home, duplex, or any multifamily unit for less than 30 consecutive days are unlawful. Permissible zones are Single-Family Residential (R), Residential Multiple-Family (RM), and Downtown (DN) Mixed Use. One STR per lot is permitted, and the lot must contain a habitable single-family dwelling. Approval requires a public hearing before the Administrative Committee, courtesy notice to neighbors within 300 feet, a posted site sign, and compliance with all applicable city and state codes.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Bountiful

1. Confirm Eligibility and Zoning

• Confirm the property is in an approved STR zone: R, RM, or DN Mixed Use. Confirm a habitable single-family dwelling exists on the parcel. Confirm the intended STR unit is an approved ADU (internal or detached). STRs are limited to ADUs; renting the full single-family home, duplex, or any multi-family structure for under 30 days is prohibited.

2. Secure ADU Authorization (if not already approved)

• Internal ADUs: Permitted use reviewed by Planning staff. Must be created within the footprint of the primary dwelling and used for long-term rentals of 30+ consecutive days. Owner-occupancy is required (owner must live in either the primary unit or the ADU). Separate utility meters for ADUs are prohibited. Internal ADU permit fee is $125.
• Detached ADUs: Conditional use reviewed by the Administrative Committee. Owner-occupancy is required. Separate utility meters for ADUs are prohibited. A deed restriction limiting use to a single-family dwelling must be recorded prior to occupancy or building permit issuance.
• Development standards (both types): minimum 350 sq ft, maximum 1,250 sq ft; minimum 8,000 sq ft buildable land; one additional off-street parking space for the ADU; all applicable setbacks and appearance standards (front entrance limitations apply to internal ADUs).

3. Obtain the Short-Term Rental Permit

• Submit a complete STR application to the Planning Department with all required items (see Required Documents below).
• Application fee: $225 standard; $100 if you already have an approved ADU or are applying for an ADU and STR concurrently.
• The application triggers formal public notice: courtesy letters to property owners within 300 feet and a physical sign posted on the site at least 10 days prior to the Administrative Committee public meeting.
• Your case will be heard by the Administrative Committee. Be prepared to demonstrate compliance with all STR standards and ADU requirements.

4. Secure and Maintain a Business License

• After STR permit approval, you must obtain and maintain an active Bountiful City business license for the STR operation. Keep the license current; non-compliance can result in permit revocation.

5. Prepare the Property and Guest Communications

• Post the city-produced notice behind the main STR door outlining parking, occupancy, and noise restrictions.
• Maintain the notice and share applicable rules via rental agreements, welcome booklets, websites, email, or any other means you use to communicate with guests.
• Ensure compliance with the Bountiful Noise Ordinance (no audible sound at the property line from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.), parking limitations, and IBC occupancy limits based on square footage.

6. Ongoing Compliance

• STR permits do not run with the land. If you sell, the new owner must apply for a new STR permit subject to all current laws.
• The City may revoke your STR permit and business license if the STR is operated in a non-conforming structure, violates city/state codes, or creates a public nuisance. Violations may be abated and prosecuted.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Short-Term Rental Permit Application
  • Completed and signed application (includes owner’s affidavit, agent authorization if applicable, and acknowledgement of responsibility).
  • Short-Term Rental Checklist signed by the property owner.
  • Review fee ($225; $100 if you already have an approved ADU or are applying concurrently for ADU + STR).
  • If already approved: submit approved ADU plans and any pertinent approvals (you may file a GRAMA request).
• Accessory Dwelling Unit Authorization
  • Internal ADU: staff-reviewed permit ($125). Must be long-term rental (30+ consecutive days), owner-occupied property, and within primary dwelling footprint.
  • Detached ADU: conditional use approval by the Administrative Committee; must record a deed restriction limiting use to single-family dwelling prior to occupancy or building permit issuance.
  • Owner-occupancy verification: voter registration, vehicle registration, driver’s license, county assessor records, or other documentation acceptable to the Planning Department.
• Business License
  • Required after STR permit approval. Must be maintained and kept current for the STR operation.
• Development and Building Standards Compliance
  • ADU development standards (Section 14-14-124): size, setbacks, appearance, entrance location, parking, and deed restriction.
  • STR standards (Section 14-14-127): zone allowances, ADU-only limitation, occupancy, noise, parking, notice posting, and legal compliance.
  • International Building Code (IBC) occupancy standards: limit occupancy based on unit square footage (e.g., staff reports have used approximately 200 sq ft per occupant as a guideline).
  • Noise Ordinance: prohibited audible sound at the property line from 11 p.m.–6 a.m.
  • Parking: ADU parking governed by ADU ordinance; comply with current parking limitations outlined in Bountiful Traffic Code regarding on-street parking.
• Legal Affidavits and Authorizations
  • Property Owner’s Affidavit (notarized).
  • Agent Authorization (notarized) if applicant is not the owner.
  • Corporate/partnership/HOA authorizations if applicable (board resolution or HOA authorization as specified by the city).
• Public Notice and Hearing
  • Ten days prior to the public meeting: Planning Department mails courtesy notices to property owners within 300 feet and posts a physical sign on the site.
  • Administrative Committee public meeting for final approval.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Bountiful (City), Davis County (County), and Utah (State)

City of Bountiful – Land Use Code (Chapter 14, Supplementary Development Standards)

• STR Definition: “A short-term rental is a dwelling unit rented for periods less than thirty (30) consecutive days.”
• STR Permit Required: All STRs require a Short-Term Rental Permit reviewed in a public meeting by the Administrative Committee.
• Public Notice: Courtesy notices to owners within 300 feet and a posted physical sign on site at least 10 days prior to the meeting.
• Zone Allowances: STRs are allowed only in Single-Family Residential (R), Residential Multiple-Family (RM), and Downtown (DN) Mixed Use zones.
• ADU-Only Limitation: STRs are allowed only within approved ADUs. STRs are unlawful within an entire single-family dwelling, duplex, or multifamily property.
• Quantity: Maximum one (1) STR per qualifying lot.
• Underlying Structure Requirement: STRs cannot be located on a lot without a habitable single-family dwelling.
• Parking: ADU parking governs; site must comply with Bountiful Traffic Code regarding on-street parking.
• Noise: Must comply with Bountiful Noise Ordinance; no audible sound at the property line from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Occupancy: Must not exceed IBC occupancy standards based on unit square footage.
• Guest Notice: The owner must place the city-produced notice behind the main STR door; maintain the notice and inform guests via rental agreements, booklets, email, websites, etc.
• ADU Standards: STRs within an ADU must comply with Section 14-14-124 (ADUs).
• Legal Compliance: STR prohibited within a non-conforming use or non-compliant structure; must comply with all state and local laws.
• Non-Transferability: STR permits do not run with the land; ownership transfer requires a new application under current law.
• Business License: After approval, owner must apply for and maintain an active business license.
• Enforcement: Violations are unlawful and public nuisances. The City may revoke the STR permit and business license upon verified violations and pursue abatement.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Requirements (Section 14-14-124) – Referenced by STRs

• Purpose and Types: ADUs can be internal (within primary dwelling footprint) or detached; internal ADUs must be long-term rentals (30+ consecutive days).
• Owner-Occupancy Required: Owner must occupy either the primary unit or the ADU at all times; no rent may be collected for the owner-occupied unit.
• Deed Restriction: For detached ADUs, a deed restriction limiting use to a single-family dwelling must be recorded prior to occupancy or building permit issuance.
• Utilities: Separate utility meters are prohibited for ADUs.
• Development Standards: 350–1,250 sq ft; minimum 8,000 sq ft buildable land; one additional off-street parking space; compliance with setbacks; entrance limitations for internal ADUs; maintain single-family appearance.

Davis County and State of Utah

• Davis County: The provided materials do not include county-level STR regulations; proceed under city rules unless county requirements are independently verified.
• State of Utah: The provided materials reference compliance with state laws but do not include state-level registration or taxation requirements. If applicable to your operation, obtain a Utah state transient room tax registration and any business filings required by the Utah Tax Commission or Division of Corporations; confirm county-level transient room tax obligations directly with Davis County.

Contact Information for Local Authority

• Bountiful City Planning Department
  • Address: 795 South Main Street, Bountiful, UT 84010
  • Phone: 801.298.6190
  • Email: planning@bountiful.gov
  • Website: www.bountifulutah.gov
  • Notes: ADA accommodations available upon 24-hour notice. Applications and meeting schedules are handled through this department.

Meeting Process and Case Example

• Meeting Body: Bountiful City Administrative Committee (public hearing required; neighbors notified within 300 feet; site sign posted).
• Example: The 1099 Bountiful Blvd. case demonstrates an STR permit for an internal ADU (approved May 25, 2023) above the garage; staff used IBC-based occupancy (approximately 200 sq ft per occupant), confirmed parking adequacy, and required owner-occupancy and notice posting.

Links to Source Pages

• Short-Term Rental Permit Application (Bountiful City Planning Department): www.bountifulutah.gov/file/31895976-b5d8-4c88-aafe-a05b145adbae
• Chapter 14 Supplementary Development Standards (Ordinance 2022-03, including STR §14-14-127 and ADU §14-14-124): www.bountifulutah.gov/file/11f1a9b8-f525-473e-a5b1-4dbbd25272f4
• Administrative Committee Packet – July 17, 2023 (STR application materials and meeting): www.utah.gov/pmn/files/998847.pdf
• Administrative Committee Packet – July 31, 2023 (continued STR hearing and documentation): www.bountifulutah.gov/file/f2f179c6-34a2-42f9-aec0-cba75511ae33

Action Checklist for Investors

• Confirm zoning (R, RM, or DN) and that the parcel contains a habitable single-family dwelling.
• Secure ADU authorization (internal or detached) if not already approved; verify owner-occupancy and compliance with ADU standards.
• Prepare STR application and submittals (application, checklist, affidavit, plans, fee).
• Schedule and attend the Administrative Committee public meeting; ensure neighbor notice and site sign posting.
• Obtain and maintain a business license for the STR operation.
• Post and maintain the city notice and communicate rules to guests; comply with noise, parking, and occupancy standards.
• Monitor permit status; permits are non-transferable and revocation may occur for violations.