STR Regulations Guide for Morgan County, Utah

Overview

Short-term rentals (STRs) are currently permitted in Morgan County, Utah, but face significant regulatory uncertainty. As of June 2025, Morgan County has implemented a temporary moratorium on accepting new STR applications in unincorporated areas. This pause allows time for ordinance revisions after public input. Morgan City (within the county) has independent zoning authority, and its STR rules may differ.

1. Starting an STR Business in Morgan County

• Unincorporated Morgan County:
  • Action Required: Submit a Short-Term Rental Application via the county’s online portal. Note: New applications are currently suspended under a 90-day moratorium initiated June 3, 2025.
  • Process:
    1. Verify zoning compliance for your property.
    2. Submit the STR application during the post-moratorium period.
    3. Await approval from Morgan County Planning & Development.
• Morgan City:
  • STRs are subject to separate municipal rules. Investors must consult Morgan City directly for its STR permitting process.
  • Refer to Sources: Citizen Portal Article (details on the moratorium) and STR Application Form.

2. Required Documents & Permits

| Requirement | Details | Source | |-------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | STR Application | Mandatory for unincorporated county properties. | STR Application Form | | Zoning Compliance Review | May be required to confirm STR use is permitted in your zoning district. | Zoning Compliance Application | | Temporary Use Permit | Potentially required if STR use falls outside primary zoning allowances. | Temporary Use Permit | | Building Permits | Needed if renovations alter structural/fire safety features. | Building Department |
| County Business License | Check with County Clerk – STRs may require a general business license. | County Clerk Business License |

3. Regulations: City, County, and State

• Morgan County (Unincorporated Areas):
  • Moratorium: 90-day suspension on new STR applications (from June 3, 2025) to revise ordinances.
  • Process: A 30-day public survey and working group will inform updated rules.
  • Zoning: STRs must comply with underlying zoning (e.g., residential, agricultural).
  • Next Steps: County staff will propose revised STR rules for Planning Commission review by August 2025.
• Morgan City:
  • Follows independent municipal zoning codes. STRs require compliance with city-specific ordinances (not detailed in provided content).
• Utah State Regulations:
  • State law allows STRs but empowers local governments to regulate them (UT Code § 10-9a-511 for cities; § 17-27a-511 for counties).
  • Taxes: STR operators must collect/pay state transient room taxes (TRT) and sales taxes via the Utah Tax Commission.

4. Key Contacts for STR Compliance

| Authority | Role | Contact |
|------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| Morgan County Planning & Development | STR applications, zoning, permits. | Email: submit@morgancountyutah.gov <br> Address: 48 W. Young St., P.O. Box 886, Morgan, UT 84050 <br> Website: Planning & Development |
| Morgan County Commission | Moratorium decisions, ordinance updates. | Website: Commission Page |
| Morgan City | Municipal STR rules (unavailable in sources). | Contact: City Hall (search required – not provided). |

5. Critical Resources & Links

1. STR Application Form – Only valid post-moratorium.
2. Citizen Portal Article – Details on the 90-day moratorium and survey timeline.
3. Planning & Development Forms Page – All permits/forms.
4. Morgan County Ordinances – Reference for finalized STR rules post-moratorium.
5. Utah Tax Commission – State tax requirements.

Key Takeaways for Investors

• Proceed with Caution: The 90-day moratorium suspends new permits until ordinance revisions (targeting August 2025).
• Zoning First: Verify that STRs are permitted in your property’s zoning district before investing.
• Morgan City: If targeting properties within Morgan City limits, contact the city directly for its STR rules.
• Compliance: Even post-moratorium, expect stricter oversight (e.g., occupancy limits, safety inspections) once new rules are enacted.

Disclaimer: Regulations are evolving. Investors must verify rules with county/state authorities before proceeding.