Overview: Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Richfield, UT, but are subject to specific regulations designed to balance economic opportunity with neighborhood integrity. These regulations include a 5-day minimum rental term, a mandatory business license, a property inspection, and the collection of a local lodging tax. Investors must comply with city ordinances, state law, and health/safety codes.

1. Allowed & Start-Up Process

Allowed: Yes, short-term rentals are permitted in Richfield. The city has established a regulatory framework, as evidenced by public hearings and the amendment of the Land Use Management Code in 2022. A critical regulation is the minimum rental term of 5 consecutive days, effective in 2026.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business:

1. Property Suitability & Zoning: Ensure your property is located in a zone where short-term rentals are a permitted or conditional use. The property must be a single-family dwelling.
2. Obtain a Business License: A city business license is mandatory for operating an STR. This is a key requirement that must be fulfilled before renting.
3. Schedule a Property Inspection: The property must pass inspections by the City Fire Chief and the County Building Inspector to ensure compliance with all applicable fire and safety codes.
4. Set Up Tax Compliance: You must register to collect and remit the 3% Richfield lodging tax and any applicable state sales taxes.
5. Ongoing Compliance: Ensure the property is maintained to city standards and that guest conduct aligns with local noise and nuisance ordinances.

2. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses & Guidelines

• Business License Application: Submit an application to the Richfield City Clerk.
• Proof of Ownership: Document proving you own the property.
• Site Plan: A scaled site plan showing the property layout and parking areas.
• Insurance Proof: Valid insurance coverage for the short-term rental unit.
• Floor Plan: A scaled floor plan with dimensions.
• Proof of Lodging Tax Registration: Registration with the state to collect the 3% lodging tax.
• Local Manager Contact: The name and 24-hour contact information for a local property manager or agent who can respond to issues. A model for this requirement from a nearby town (Central Valley Town) specifies that this person must live within 15-30 minutes of the property.
• Fire Clearance: A required inspection and clearance from the Richfield City Fire Chief.
• Building Inspection Clearance: A required inspection and clearance from the County Building Inspector.
• Safety Equipment: Installation of working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and a fire extinguisher as per state fire code.

3. Specific Regulations (Richfield, Sevier County, State of Utah)

Richfield City (Municipal):

• Minimum Rental Term: A minimum stay of 5 consecutive days is required for non-hosted rentals.
• Business License: Mandatory for all STR operators.
• Inspection: Mandatory inspection by the City Fire Chief for fire safety compliance.
• Lodging Tax: Must collect and remit a 3% lodging tax.
• Hosted Rentals: The city allows weekend-only rentals when the property owner is residing at the property during the rental term.

Sevier County (County-Level):

• The provided materials do not specify any distinct Sevier County regulations beyond the state-level requirements and the need for a County Building Inspector inspection.

State of Utah (State-Level):

• Prohibition on De-Listing Mandates: State law (as of 2017) prevents municipalities from banning the act of listing or offering a STR on a website or from punishing an individual solely for that act. However, this does not preclude enforcing local operational regulations like licensing, inspections, and tax collection.
• Transient Room Tax (TRT): The state allows municipalities to impose a TRT on temporary lodging of up to 1% and counties up to 4.25%. Richfield's 3% rate falls within this state allowance.
• Resort Community Tax (RCT): Not applicable to Richfield, as its STR capacity is not 66% of the permanent population.
• Building & Fire Codes: All STR properties must adhere to adopted state building and fire safety codes.

4. Contact Information for Local Authority

• Richfield City Hall
• Address: 75 East Center, Richfield, UT 84701
• Phone: 435.896.6439
• Website: www.richfieldut.gov
• Key Department: Community Development (for zoning and ordinance questions)
• Key Contact: City Clerk's Office (for business license applications)

5. Links to Source Pages

The information in this guide is based on the following documents provided:

1. Short-Term Rental Policy & Best Practices - An Introduction for Local Leaders (PDF)
2. Public Hearing Notice - Short-Term Rentals (Richfield City Website)
3. Richfield settles on 5-day minimum for home rentals (Local News Article)
4. Central Valley Town STR Business License Application (PDF) (Used as a nearby regulatory example for required documentation and procedures).