Overview

Short‑term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Woods Cross, but only as a conditional use in residential zones, subject to Planning Commission approval and ongoing compliance. STRs are defined as any approved dwelling or portion thereof that is available for use or is used for accommodations or lodging of guests paying a fee or other compensation for a period of at least one 24‑hour day and less than 30 consecutive days, and shall not contain more than four bedrooms. As a conditional use, you must obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and then a business license before operating.

Citations and source references appear throughout the relevant sections. For all decisions, approvals, renewals, and ongoing compliance, the Planning Commission reviews CUPs. Appeals go to the Hearing Officer, and revocation proceedings can be initiated for violations.

Zoning Status and Permitted Locations

• STRs are allowed as a conditional use in residential zones (per the Land Use Table and Section 12‑28‑124 of the Zoning Ordinance).
• STRs are not a permitted use in non‑residential zones under the provided materials.
• STRs are prohibited from containing more than four bedrooms.

Sources:

• Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 12‑28: Section 12‑28‑101 (Land Use Table) and Section 12‑28‑124 (Short‑term Rentals).
• Conditional Use Permit Application (Community Development Department).

How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in Woods Cross

The legal pathway follows a clear sequence:

1. Confirm zoning eligibility (residential zone; a conditional use).
2. Secure a responsible party designation (owner or designated responsible party).
3. Prepare required plans and documentation (site plan, floor plan, owner authorization if not owner‑occupied or owner‑managed).
4. Submit a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application to the Community Development Department (fee $150).
5. Prepare for Planning Commission review and decision (approval, approval with conditions, or denial).
6. Obtain any required business license upon CUP approval; you must also comply with state tax, county health, and fire inspection requirements.
7. Operate in full compliance with all city operating regulations; maintain records and be prepared for inspections and complaint follow‑up.
8. Respond promptly to city communications and maintain the property to code standards; be aware that a first complaint triggers an investigation and possible warning; a second complaint can trigger citations or revocation proceedings.

Source:

• Conditional Use Permit Application (Community Development Department).

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Before you submit:

• CUP application (fee $150), signed by the applicant (owner or responsible party).
• Site plan drawing showing all buildings, property lines, distances to structures, location of parking stalls, utility meters, and entrances.
• Floor plan drawing with room labels, locations of smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, entrances and exits, and bedroom window sizes; include total square footage of the STR area.
• Owner authorization: If the property is not owner‑occupied/managed, include a signed document from the property owner demonstrating permission to use the premises as an STR, identifying the Responsible Party, and detailing identity/business operations as required.
• Contact details for the responsible party (name, phone, email, address).
• Property owner details (name, phone, email, address).
• Prepare to provide any additional materials required by the application or Planning Commission.

After CUP approval:

• Apply for the applicable business license.
• Collect and remit all sales, resort, and transient room taxes to the Utah State Tax Commission.
• Obtain and maintain all state, county, and city inspection approvals as applicable.

Citations:

• Conditional Use Permit Application (Community Development Department).
• Zoning Ordinance Section 12‑28‑124.

Operating Regulations for STRs (City Rules)

These rules apply at all times:

• Taxes and Reporting:
  • Comply with all reporting requirements and collect and remit sales, resort, and transient room taxes to the Utah State Tax Commission.
• Noise, Nuisances, and Adverse Effects:
  • Keep occupancy and conduct in character with the surrounding neighborhood.
  • Occupants must not disturb peace before 7:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m.; outdoor recreational activities that adversely affect nearby properties are prohibited during those hours.
  • Do not interfere with the privacy of nearby residents or trespass onto adjacent properties.
  • Comply with Utah Administrative Code Rule R392‑502, Public Lodging Facility Sanitation.
• Parking:
  • On‑street parking is prohibited.
  • Provide an off‑street parking stall for each vehicle, including trailers, brought by occupants.
  • The number of vehicles may not exceed the number of bedrooms; STRs may not contain more than four bedrooms.
  • Vehicles must not impede clear sight distances or violate city laws or winter parking restrictions.
  • Parking must occur entirely within a garage/carport or upon a driveway or other approved paved surface; parking within any landscape area is prohibited.
• Camps, RVs, and Temporary Structures:
  • Conduct operations entirely within an approved residential dwelling unit.
  • Occupied camp trailers, travel trailers, recreational vehicles, tents, yurts, or similar structures are prohibited on the STR site.
• Signage:
  • Exterior signage other than ordinary street address signage is prohibited.
• On‑Premises Information Display:
  • Prominently display inside the dwelling the responsible party’s contact information (24/7), local regulations addressing noise, parking, pets, trespassing, illegal activity, and conduct, and any additional rules or regulations imposed by the responsible party.
• Maintenance and Standards:
  • Structures, plumbing, HVAC, and appliances must be fully operational and in good repair.
  • Grounds and landscaped areas must be properly maintained and not detract from neighborhood appearance or create hazards/nuisances.
  • Each habitable space must meet current federal, state, and local building and health codes and be equipped with fully functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors per code.
  • Garbage must be placed in city‑approved receptacles, not accumulate, and be removed on regularly scheduled pickup days.
  • Provide a fully functional fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location.
  • Prominently post a fire exit route plan and the maximum occupancy number.
  • Comply with all inspection requirements of the state, Davis County, and the city.
• Complaints and Enforcement:
  • First complaint: city investigates and, if warranted, issues a written warning describing the complaint, any violation, and corrective actions.
  • Second complaint: city investigates and may issue another warning, issue a citation, initiate show cause proceedings to revoke the conditional use permit and business license, or initiate revocation proceedings.

Citations:

• Conditional Use Permit Application (Operating Regulations and Enforcement).
• Zoning Ordinance Section 12‑28‑124.

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

• City of Woods Cross:

  • STRs are a conditional use in residential zones.
  • CUP required; Planning Commission approval.
  • STR definition caps occupancy and bedroom count; maximum four bedrooms.
  • Operating rules for taxes, noise, hours, parking, sanitation, safety, signage, information display, maintenance, and complaint/ revocation procedures apply as stated.
  • 24/7 responsible party contact must be posted inside the unit.
  • Exterior signage other than ordinary street address signage is prohibited.
  • Inspection requirements include state, Davis County, and city oversight.
  • Winter parking restrictions and sight‑distance rules apply to parking.

• Davis County (Health Department; no county‑specific STR ordinance provided):

  • You must comply with inspection and sanitation standards administered by the Davis County Health Department, and comply with Utah Administrative Code Rule R392‑502.

• State of Utah (no specific state‑level STR registration ordinance provided):

  • Collect and remit sales, resort, and transient room taxes to the Utah State Tax Commission.
  • Comply with Utah Administrative Code Rule R392‑502, Public Lodging Facility Sanitation.

Citations:

• Conditional Use Permit Application (Reporting & Taxes; Utah Administrative Code reference).
• Zoning Ordinance Sections (definitions, CUP process, Planning Commission).
• Zoning Ordinance Section 12‑28‑124 (city STR regulations).

Contact Information and Next Steps

For application, permitting, and city inquiries:

• Community Development Department
  • Physical Address: 1555 South 800 West, Woods Cross, Utah 84087
  • Phone: 801‑292‑4421
  • Fax: 801‑292‑2225
  • Primary Reference: Conditional Use Permit Application for Short‑Term Rentals (fee $150)

For state tax matters:

• Utah State Tax Commission (sales, resort, and transient room taxes)
  • Note: specific phone, email, and website not provided in the materials.

For health and sanitation approvals (required per R392‑502):

• Davis County Health Department
  • Note: specific phone, email, and website not provided in the materials.

For fire and emergency access (inspection requirements and parking/sight distance compliance):

• South Davis Metro Fire Service Area
  • Note: specific phone, email, and website not provided in the materials.

Appeals process (city level):

• Appeals of the Director’s decisions go to the Planning Commission.
• Appeals of the Planning Commission’s decisions go to the Hearing Officer.
• Citation and revocation provisions are handled administratively per city ordinance procedures.

Citation:

• Conditional Use Permit Application (Contact information; inspections).

Links to Source Pages

• City of Woods Cross Short‑Term Rental Conditional Use Permit Application (PDF)
  • woodscross.gov/vertical/sites/%7B1E8AA2ED-77CC-41F1-8DA8-74322646B85C%7D/uploads/SHORT-TERM_RENTAL_APP.pdf
• City of Woods Cross Zoning Ordinance – Chapter 12‑28 Supplementary Regulations (PDF)
  • woodscross.gov/vertical/sites/%7B1E8AA2ED-77CC-41F1-8DA8-74322646B85C%7D/uploads/Ch_28_Supplementary_Regulations(1.pdf

Note: This guide summarizes city, county, and state requirements reflected in the provided documents. Before submitting your CUP, confirm any additional state or county requirements directly with those agencies.