Executive Overview

Short-term rentals are allowed in Washington, UT, but with significant restrictions and requirements. Washington City operates a permitted zoning system where STRs are only allowed in specific, pre-approved subdivisions. In unincorporated Washington County, STRs are permitted county-wide but require a separate county license. Both jurisdictions have implemented comprehensive regulatory frameworks to ensure safety, compliance, and neighborhood compatibility.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Washington, UT

City vs. County Jurisdiction

Washington, UT operates under two regulatory systems:

• Washington City: STRs only permitted in designated subdivisions with both city business licensing and fire safety compliance
• Unincorporated Washington County: STRs permitted county-wide with county licensing and building code compliance

Initial Steps

1. Verify Zoning Eligibility: Confirm your property location allows STR use
2. Determine Required Licenses: City business license for designated subdivisions; county license for unincorporated areas
3. Complete Pre-Application Assessment: Review building code requirements, occupancy limits, and safety standards
4. Secure Professional Representation: Consider hiring local property management familiar with Washington regulations

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Washington City Requirements

Business License: Required for each STR unit in approved subdivisions

• Application through Washington City Business License Department
• Must be obtained before operating any STR

Fire Safety Compliance:

• Annual fire department inspection mandatory for all STRs
• Fire suppression sprinklers required for occupancies of 11+ people
• No sprinklers required for 10 or fewer occupants

Property Management Requirements:

• Single point of contact residing on-property or within Washington County
• Washington City property management business license required for management companies
• 24/7 availability requirement for local contact

Documentation Requirements:

• Proof of transient occupancy tax compliance
• Building code compliance verification
• Insurance with landlord endorsement allowing STRs
• Good Neighbor Brochure display

Washington County Requirements

Short-Term Rental License: Required for all STRs in unincorporated areas

• Annual renewal required
• 10-14 business day processing period
• $160 application fee for existing dwellings

Required Documentation:

• Owner Occupied Primary Residential Exemption application
• Short-Term Rental Business License Application
• Site plan of property
• Septic permit documentation
• Current photos of dwelling
• Proof of insurance with landlord endorsement
• Good Neighbor Brochure

Building Code Compliance:

• Health and Safety Check may be required by county building inspector
• Current building code compliance mandatory

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Washington City STR Regulations

Permitted Locations: Only approved subdivisions may operate STRs

• Casitas at Sienna Hills (with specific exceptions)
• Coral Ridge Townhomes (with specific exceptions)
• Cottages at Stucki Farms
• Escondido at Sienna Hills
• Freedom Village
• Ladera at Sienna Hills
• The Eighth at Coral Canyon
• Town Center at Coral Canyon
• Vida Sol Vacation Townhomes
• Paseos at Sienna Hills
• Skyline at Long Valley

Special Exceptions for Casitas at Sienna Hills:

• No nightly rentals allowed in units 18-27 and 77-86
• Complete perimeter wall required around parcel 3
• Garages must remain open for vehicle parking only
• Renters must park in garages, assigned spaces, or driveways (no street parking)
• Unit owners limited to one unit ownership
• Maximum 10 occupants per unit
• Noise ordinance compliance mandatory
• Written rental contracts detailing guidelines required

Coral Ridge Townhomes Exceptions:

• Property management companies must designate single point of contact within Washington County

HOA Responsibilities (PUD Ordinance 2020-06):

• Provide single point of contact within Washington County
• Address all guest-related disturbances
• Ensure current business licenses for all STR units
• Coordinate annual fire department inspections

Enforcement and Penalties:

• 30-day correction period for violations
• $750 per day fines after correction period
• License suspension after 3+ violations within one year
• Recent ordinance took effect March 2025

Washington County STR Regulations

Definition: Property occupied for 29 consecutive calendar days or less for compensation

Operational Requirements:

• Annual license renewal mandatory
• Compliance with building codes and health standards
• Display of Good Neighbor Brochure alongside licenses
• Owner/property manager contact information posted

Safety Standards:

• Health and Safety Check by building inspector
• Current building code compliance
• Adequate insurance coverage with landlord endorsement

Fee Structure:

• $160 application fee for existing dwellings
• Includes Health and Safety Check
• Fee waiver possible if dwelling under construction with proper permits

State-Level Utah Regulations

HB 256 (2025 Legislative Session)

• Allows cities to use official listing websites to track STR violations
• Enables enforcement based on online advertising violations
• Provides additional tools for monitoring compliance

Transient Room Tax

• State-level transient room tax requirements apply
• Local tax compliance verification required for licensing

Contact Information

Washington City

Address: 111 North 100 East, Washington, UT 84780 Phone: (435) 656-6300 Email: [email protected] Website: washingtonutah.gov

Business License Department: washingtoncity.org/business Planning & Zoning: washingtonutah.gov/development/planningandzoning

Washington County

Community Development Department Address: 111 East Tabernacle St., St. George, UT 84770 Phone: (435) 301-7250 Website: washco.utah.gov/departments/community-development

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

Source Links

• Washington City STR Information: washingtonutah.gov/development/planningandzoning/shorttermrentals
• Washington County STR License: www.washco.utah.gov/departments/community-development/short-term-rental-license/
• Washington City Business License: washingtoncity.org/services/businesslicense
• Washington County Zoning Information: www.washco.utah.gov/departments/community-development/zoning-info/
• Zoning Districts Map: www.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?webmap=1532fedcb4c540b98d74c4798f6cd487
• Approved Subdivisions Map: www.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?webmap=11cce7e066344740813788c553001cd9
• Washington County STR Application: www.washco.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/comdev-short-term-rental-application.pdf
• Good Neighbor Brochure: www.washco.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/comdev-good-neighbor-brochure.pdf

Key Compliance Timeline

• Application Processing: 10-14 business days (county); varies (city)
• Fire Inspection: Annual requirement
• License Renewal: Annual for both jurisdictions
• Violation Correction Period: 30 days
• License Suspension: After 3+ violations within one year

Investment Considerations

High-Risk Factors:

• Limited approved subdivisions in Washington City
• Strict enforcement with significant daily fines
• Recent regulatory tightening (2025)
• Mandatory local contact requirements
• Building code compliance verification

Success Factors:

• Professional property management with local presence
• Proactive compliance monitoring
• Adequate insurance coverage
• Good neighbor relations and communication
• Regular maintenance and safety updates

Washington's regulatory environment requires significant upfront compliance investment but provides clear pathways for legal operation in designated areas. Investors should prioritize professional local guidance and maintain active compliance programs to avoid substantial penalties and license suspension.