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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Springdale, UT, but with significant restrictions. Transient lodging (the technical term for STRs) is permitted only within the Transient Lodging Overlay Zone (TLO). As of 2022, Springdale implemented a moratorium on new STR applications due to housing affordability concerns and community impact issues. The town has established a highly regulated system that prioritizes existing commercial zones and limits new STR development to specific eligibility periods.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Springdale

Phase 1: Eligibility Assessment

1. Verify Zoning Compliance

   • Your property must be located in either the Central Commercial (CC) or Village Commercial (VC) zone
   • Properties in residential zones (R-1, R-2, etc.) are not eligible for STR conversion
   • Use the Town's zoning map to confirm your property's current zoning designation

2. Timing Considerations

   • TLO applications are only accepted during March 1-31 of even-numbered years (2024, 2026, 2028, etc.)
   • Plan your investment timeline accordingly, as you'll need to wait for the next application window if your timing doesn't align
   • Consider that Springdale had a moratorium on new STR applications in early 2022

3. Pre-Application Consultation

   • Required: Meet with Community Development Department staff before applying
   • Schedule meeting by calling (435) 522-4130
   • Staff will review your specific property and provide guidance on eligibility and requirements

Phase 2: Application Process

1. Zone Map Amendment Application

   • Apply for TLO designation during the designated March application window
   • Submit applications through the online portal: Zone Map Amendment Application
   • Note: This is a zoning change, not a simple business license

2. Review Process

   • Applications undergo public review
   • Planning Commission and Town Council approval required
   • Approval is not guaranteed and depends on meeting all criteria

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

City-Level Requirements (Springdale)

Zone Change Requirements:

• Complete TLO application form
• Property ownership documentation
• Site plan showing current and proposed use
• Building compliance documentation
• Parking plan (critical in Springdale's limited space)
• Community impact analysis

Business Licensing:

• Business license through Springdale Town offices
• Certificate of Occupancy if property changes use
• Transient Lodging Good Neighbor Policy compliance

County-Level Requirements (Washington County)

For properties in unincorporated Washington County:

Primary Licensing:

• Washington County Short-Term Rental License (annual renewal required)
• Owner Occupied Primary Residential Exemption through Assessor's Office

Required Documentation:

• Completed Short-Term Rental Business License Application
• Proof of insurance with landlord endorsement allowing STRs
• Site plan of property
• Septic permit documentation
• Current photos of dwelling
• Health and Safety Check completion

Financial Requirements:

• Application fee: $160.00 (includes Health and Safety Check)
• Processing time: 10-14 business days after completed application
• Annual license renewal fees

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Springdale Town Regulations

Zoning Restrictions:

• STRs only permitted in TLO zone
• Only properties already in CC or VC zones eligible for TLO application
• No new STRs allowed in residential zones

Application Timing:

• TLO applications accepted March 1-31 only during even-numbered years
• Next application windows: 2024, 2026, 2028, etc.

Community Standards:

• Must comply with Transient Lodging Good Neighbor Policy
• Display Good Neighbor Brochure prominently in STR
• Maintain property standards consistent with community character

Parking Requirements:

• STRs must provide adequate parking per town standards
• Consider Springdale's shuttle-first visitor philosophy

Washington County Regulations (Unincorporated Areas)

Owner-Occupancy Requirement:

• STRs must be owner-occupied primary residences
• Cannot be second homes or investment properties

Property Standards:

• Must meet current building codes
• Health and Safety Check required
• Property must be residential dwelling, not commercial structure

Operational Limits:

• Maximum 29 consecutive days occupancy
• Annual license renewal mandatory
• Good Neighbor Brochure display requirement

State of Utah Regulations

Transient Lodging Classification:

• State defines transient lodging as rentals ≤ 30 days
• Includes various accommodation types (hotels, STRs, B&Bs, etc.)

Tax Implications:

• Transient room tax may apply
• Consult with tax professional for specific obligations

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Springdale Town - Community Development Department

Primary Contacts:

• Tom Dansie, Director of Community Development

  • Email: tdansie@springdale.utah.gov
  • Phone: 435-772-3434 Ext. 306

• Niall Connolly, Principal Planner

  • Email: nconnolly@springdale.utah.gov
  • Phone: 435-772-3434 Ext. 310

• Kyndal Sagers, Zoning Administrator

  • Email: ksagers@springdale.utah.gov
  • Phone: 435-772-3434 Ext. 302

General Contact:

• Phone: (435) 522-4130 (for pre-application meetings)
• Address: 118 Lion Boulevard, P.O. Box 187, Springdale, UT 84767
• Hours: M-F 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM MST (excluding state/federal holidays)

Pre-Application Meeting Scheduling:

• Call (435) 522-4130 to schedule consultation

Washington County - Community Development

Primary Contact:

• Phone: (435) 301-7250
• Address: 111 East Tabernacle St., St. George, UT 84770
• Website: Short-Term Rental License

County Administration:

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

Source Links and Additional Resources

Official Springdale Town Resources

• Transient Lodging Overview
• Springdale Town Code - Transient Lodging Overlay Zone
• Town of Springdale Zoning Map
• Zone Map Amendment Application Portal
• Transient Lodging Good Neighbor Policy Template

Washington County Resources

• Short-Term Rental License Page
• Owner Occupied Primary Residential Exemption
• Short-Term Rental Business License Application (PDF)
• Good Neighbor Brochure (PDF)

News and Context

• KUER Report on Springdale STR Moratorium

Additional Springdale Resources

• Springdale Town Offices
• Business Licensing
• Building Process
• Code Enforcement & Compliance

Investment Considerations and Warnings

Critical Success Factors

1. Timing is Everything: Plan for the March application windows in even-numbered years
2. Zoning is Paramount: Only CC and VC zone properties are eligible
3. Community Impact: Springdale has demonstrated willingness to restrict STRs to preserve community character
4. Competition: Limited supply means high barriers to entry but potentially strong returns for approved properties

Risk Factors

1. Moratorium History: Springdale has previously halted new STR applications
2. Housing Pressure: Local workforce housing concerns may lead to additional restrictions
3. Seasonal Nature: Tourism-dependent market with peak and off-peak seasons
4. Regulatory Evolution: Rules may change as community needs evolve

Alternative Strategies

• Consider Washington County unincorporated areas for immediate STR opportunities
• Explore traditional long-term rental investments in Springdale
• Investigate hotel or lodge partnerships within the TLO zone

This regulatory environment requires careful planning, significant upfront investment in both time and money, and ongoing compliance management. Prospective investors should factor in extended timelines for approvals and the possibility of regulatory changes affecting profitability.