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

Short-term rentals are currently in a regulatory transition in Ivins, Utah. As of May 2025, Ivins City has not yet adopted explicit short-term rental regulations, though the city council has directed staff to develop comprehensive STR policies. Washington County's STR ordinance does apply to unincorporated areas within the county, but incorporated cities like Ivins maintain their own municipal regulations.

Bottom Line for Investors: Until Ivins City formally adopts STR regulations, the legal status of short-term rentals within city limits remains uncertain. The city council is actively working on STR policies, with Planning Commission review underway. Potential STR operators in Ivins should monitor city council meetings and wait for formal regulations before investing.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Ivins, UT

Current Status and Immediate Steps

Phase 1: Due Diligence (Immediate)

1. Verify Property Location: Confirm whether your property is within Ivins city limits or unincorporated Washington County
2. Monitor City Regulations: Track Ivins City Council meetings for STR ordinance adoption
3. Consult City Planning Department: Contact Ivins City to confirm current status and upcoming regulations

Phase 2: If Operating in Unincorporated Areas If your property is in unincorporated Washington County, follow the county STR licensing process outlined below.

Phase 3: If Operating Within Ivins City Wait for city STR ordinance adoption, then comply with municipal requirements.

Washington County STR Licensing Process (For Unincorporated Areas)

Required Prerequisites:

1. Owner Occupied Primary Residential Exemption: Apply through Washington County Assessor's Office
2. Building Code Compliance: Ensure STR meets current building codes
3. Health and Safety Compliance: Prepare for potential county building inspection

Application Process:

1. Complete Washington County Short-Term Rental Business License Application
2. Submit application electronically through Community Development Department
3. Allow 10-14 business days for processing
4. Pay applicable fees ($160.00 for existing dwellings)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Washington County Requirements (Unincorporated Areas)

Mandatory Documents:

• Short-Term Rental Business License Application
• Owner Occupied Primary Residential Exemption approval
• Proof of insurance with landlord endorsement for short-term rentals
• Site plan of the property
• Septic permit documentation
• Exterior and interior photos of the dwelling
• Good Neighbor Brochure (must be displayed visibly)

Financial Requirements:

• License application fee: $160.00 (includes Health and Safety Check)
• Annual renewal required
• Processing time: 10-14 business days

Compliance Requirements:

• Display Good Neighbor Brochure in visible area
• Post appropriate issued licenses
• Provide owner or property manager contact information
• Maintain current building code compliance

Ivins City Requirements (Pending)

Under Development: The Planning Commission is currently reviewing:

• STR definition distinguishing resort/pool units from standalone STRs
• Operating standards and conditional-use criteria
• Home occupation regulations addressing neighborhood impacts
• Enforcement procedures under House Bill 256

Anticipated Requirements (Based on Council Discussion):

• Clear operating standards for STRs
• Safety checks and inspections
• Parking and noise limitations
• Guest volume restrictions
• Hours of operation limits

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

Washington County STR Ordinance

Definition: Property occupied for transient lodging where the term of occupancy is 29 consecutive calendar days or less, for compensation.

Key Provisions:

• Annual license renewal requirement
• Health and Safety Check mandatory (may be waived for new construction)
• Proof of insurance with landlord endorsement required
• Good Neighbor Brochure display mandatory
• Owner contact information posting required

Zoning Compliance:

• Must comply with current building codes
• Site plan and septic permit documentation required
• Health inspection may be required

Ivins City Municipal Status

Current State (May 2025):

• No explicit STR regulations adopted
• City Council has directed Planning Commission to develop comprehensive STR policies
• Review process includes distinguishing resort units from individual STRs
• Development of clear enforcement procedures under House Bill 256

Planned Regulatory Framework:

• Operating Standards: Clear definition and operating criteria
• Conditional Use Process: STRs as conditional use in appropriate zones
• Enforcement Tools: Use of online listings as evidence, platform removal requests
• Neighborhood Protection: Noise, parking, and traffic impact limitations

Utah State Regulations

House Bill 256 (2025): Provides municipalities with limited enforcement tools:

• Online listings can be used as evidence
• Cities can request platform removal of illegal listings
• Does not provide broad new enforcement powers

Contact Information

Washington County (Unincorporated Area STRs)

Community Development Department:

• Address: 111 East Tabernacle St., St. George, UT 84770
• Phone: (435) 301-7250
• Website: Community Development
• Email: Contact through website form
• Application Portal: Request for Inspections

County Administration:

• Address: 111 East Tabernacle St., St. George, UT 84770
• Phone: (435) 301-7000

Assor's Office (for Residential Exemption):

• Website: Assessor Residential Exemption

Ivins City (Municipal STRs)

City Planning Department:

• Status: Developing STR regulations as of May 2025
• Contact: Monitor city website for contact information
• Website: [Ivins City Website] (specific STR contact TBD)

Next Steps for Ivins STR Operators:

• Monitor Planning Commission meetings
• Attend City Council meetings
• Contact city planning department for current status

Source Links and Additional Resources

Primary Sources

• Washington County Short-Term Rental License
• Washington County STR Application
• Good Neighbor Brochure
• Ivins City Council STR Discussion

Additional County Resources

• Washington County Zoning Information
• Washington County Building Permit Documents
• Washington County Community Development Fees

Legislative References

• Utah House Bill 256 (2025) - Enforcement tools for municipalities

Investment Risk Assessment and Recommendations

Current Market Conditions

High Risk Factors:

• Regulatory Uncertainty: Ivins City has not yet adopted STR regulations
• Active Policy Development: City is actively reviewing restrictive measures
• Enforcement Under Development: New enforcement procedures being created

Low Risk Factors:

• County Alternative: Washington County has established STR framework for unincorporated areas
• Process Transparency: City is following proper public process for regulation development
• Industry Engagement: Council is considering multiple stakeholder inputs

Investment Strategy Recommendations

1. Wait and Monitor: Defer STR investment in Ivins until municipal regulations are adopted
2. Consider Unincorporated Areas: Evaluate county-licensed STR opportunities in surrounding areas
3. Engage in Process: Participate in city planning process to advocate for reasonable regulations
4. Due Diligence: Verify exact property location (city vs. county) before any investment
5. Professional Consultation: Engage local real estate attorney familiar with Utah municipal law

Critical Timeline: Monitor Ivins Planning Commission and City Council meetings through summer 2025 for ordinance adoption.

This guide reflects regulations and discussions current as of May 2025. Short-term rental regulations are rapidly evolving. Always verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions.