Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in St. George, UT?

YES, short-term rentals are allowed in St. George, Utah, but with significant restrictions and requirements. The city has implemented a regulatory framework that permits STR operations under specific conditions, primarily through business licensing and zoning compliance. Investors must understand that St. George maintains a more restrictive approach compared to many other markets, with particular emphasis on lot size requirements, location standards, and operational obligations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in St. George

Starting an STR business in St. George requires a systematic approach involving multiple regulatory approvals:

Step 1: Zoning Verification

First and foremost, verify that your property meets the stringent zoning requirements. Properties must either:

• Be located on lots of two acres or larger
• Be situated on major collector or arterial streets (66-foot right-of-way minimum)
• Be separated by at least 500 feet from other STR properties
• Be located within planned development zones that specifically allow STRs

Step 2: Business License Acquisition

Obtain a business license for the STR property through the St. George Business Licensing Department. Note that property owners with multiple STR properties only need one business license to operate all their units.

Step 3: Washington County Requirements (if applicable)

If your property is located in unincorporated Washington County (outside city limits), you'll need to obtain a separate Washington County Short-Term Rental License, which requires annual renewal.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of St. George Requirements:

Business License Application

• Complete application through Business Licensing Department
• License fee payment (amount not specified in provided content)
• License is non-transferable between persons or properties
• Must provide written notice within 30 days of any ownership/control transfer

Transient Room Tax Compliance

• Collection and remittance of municipal transient room tax as allowed under Utah Code
• Compliance with state-level tax requirements

Property Standards Documentation

• Proof of compliance with rental fit premises requirements
• Evidence of proper maintenance and repair obligations
• Garbage removal plan (24-hour disposal requirement)
• Cleaning service protocols (weekly cleaning during occupancy, between tenant turnover)

Local Property Manager Designation

• Designation of local property manager available 24/7
• Sign posting requirements within the unit containing:
  • Local property manager name and phone number
  • Maximum occupancy limits
  • Garbage pickup day information

Insurance Requirements

• Proof of insurance with landlord endorsement allowing short-term rentals
• Coverage adequate for STR operations

Washington County Requirements (for unincorporated areas):

Short-Term Rental Business License Application

• Electronic submission through Community Development Department
• $160 application fee for existing dwellings (includes Health and Safety Check)
• Health and Safety Check may be waived for dwellings under active construction following building permit processes

Supporting Documentation

• Site plan of the property
• Septic permit documentation
• Photographs of the dwelling
• Owner Occupied Primary Residential Exemption application through Assessor's Office
• Proof of insurance with landlord endorsement

Good Neighbor Brochure

• Display in visible area alongside licenses and contact information
• Must be obtained from Washington County Community Development

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of St. George Regulations:

Zoning Restrictions

• Single-family residences may be permitted as STR properties only if:
  • Located on lots of two acres or larger
  • Contiguous to and fronting major collector or arterial streets (66-foot right-of-way minimum)
  • Separated by at least 500 feet from other STR properties

Operational Requirements

• License required for all STR operations (one license per owner for multiple properties)
• Garbage removal within 24 hours of tenant departure
• Weekly cleaning during occupancy and between tenant stays
• Compliance with sanitary facilities requirements (similar to motel standards)
• 24/7 availability of local property manager
• Joint and several liability for owner and property manager

Violation Consequences

• License revocation for violations
• Enforcement through city code compliance procedures

Washington County Regulations (unincorporated areas):

Licensing Framework

• STR defined as property occupied for 29 consecutive calendar days or less
• Annual license renewal required
• 10-14 business day processing period for applications

Safety Standards

• Building code compliance required
• Health and Safety Check by County building inspector
• Insurance with landlord endorsement mandatory

State of Utah Regulations:

Transient Room Tax

• Collection and remittance required under state law
• Municipal transient room tax applies in St. George
• Compliance with state tax code requirements

General Business Requirements

• Standard business operation requirements
• Compliance with state health and safety codes

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of St. George:

Business Licensing Department

• Website: www.sgcity.org/business/businesslicensing/
• General City Website: www.sgcity.org/
• Phone: (435) 627-4000

Washington County Community Development:

Short-Term Rental Licensing

• Address: 111 East Tabernacle St., St. George, UT 84770
• Phone: (435) 301-7250
• Application Portal: www.washco.utah.gov/departments/community-development/short-term-rental-license/
• Contact Page: www.washco.utah.gov/departments/community-development/contact-info/
• County Administration: (435) 301-7000

Important Considerations for STR Investors

St. George's regulatory environment for short-term rentals is notably restrictive compared to many other markets. The city maintains strict separation requirements between properties, significant lot size minimums, and frontage requirements that limit the available inventory for STR operations. Additionally, the requirement for 24/7 local property management and the potential for license revocation creates substantial operational commitments.

For properties outside city limits but within Washington County, a separate licensing framework applies with annual renewal requirements and health and safety inspections. The county's definition of STRs (29 days or less) differs from the city's (not explicitly stated in provided content), which may impact booking strategies and guest policies.

Given the complexity and restrictive nature of these regulations, investors should carefully evaluate property acquisition decisions, ensuring full compliance with all applicable requirements before purchase.

Source References:

1. St. George City Code Article V - Short Term Residential Rental Properties
2. St. George City Code Section 10-17A-13 - Short-Term Residential Rental Specific Standards
3. Washington County Short-Term Rental License Information
4. Best Utah Real Estate - Are Vacation Rentals Allowed in St. George, Utah
5. RR Legal - Understanding Short-Term Rental Laws in St. George, Utah