Exclusive Utah · Real Estate Intelligence

Utah short-term
rental approved.

A field guide to where investor-grade short-term rentals are legal, and where they are not, across Salt Lake, Utah, and Davis counties. There is no statewide STR law beyond tax collection. Every city writes its own rules, and most have rewritten them in the past 18 months.

Compiled
May 31, 2026
Coverage
3 counties · 65 jurisdictions
Author
Andrew Ho · Unity Group
License
UT #9693539-SA00
1
Investor OK
6
Conditional
6
Owner-Occupied Only
4
Effectively Banned
48
Requires Verification

How to read this

The five verdicts.

Owner-occupancy is the single most important gate. If a city requires it, the investor-only model is dead there. Every city in this guide is classified into one of the five categories below.

Investor OK

Non-owner-occupied STRs are explicitly allowed. A license is required, but there is no residency gate. A clear pathway for a buy-and-hold STR strategy.

Conditional

Allowed only in specific zones, condo communities, or by conditional use permit. The investor model works, but it requires zoning diligence.

Owner-Occupied Only

The owner must live on the property. House-hack plays only. Investors with no intent to occupy are excluded.

Effectively Banned

No legal pathway exists. Either there is no STR ordinance and zoning prohibits it, or licensing has been suspended.

Requires Verification

We could not confirm the current ordinance from public sources. Call planning before relying on any classification.

Filter

i. Salt Lake County

24 jurisdictions · The investor frontier

West Jordan

Investor OK

The strongest investor STR pathway in the south valley. New ordinance, simple framework, no occupancy gate.

Owner-Occ
Not required
License
Required
Annual fee
$325/unit
Zoning
By zone
Ordinance detail

Requirements: Application signed by a residential landlord. On-site parking only, no street parking. Written notice to property owners within 100 feet before issuance. The license number must appear in all online listings. All taxes remitted before renewal.

Zone check required: Ord. 25-23 amended Title 13 zoning tables in eight sections. Verify the property zone is permitted before purchase.

Title 4, Ch. 2, Art. R · Ord. 25-16 (Apr 22, 2025) · Ord. 25-23 (Jul 8, 2025)

Holladay

Conditional

The investor model works through a CUP, but three filters narrow the field dramatically.

Owner-Occ
Not required
License
CUP + business
Max beds
4 bedrooms
Zoning
R-2 / R-M
Ordinance detail

Requirements: Located in R-2 or R-M zones, single-family or two-family only, not in PUDs. Conditional use permit via a Planning Commission public hearing. The site must front a street with a 66-foot right-of-way per the city circulation map.

Other restrictions: No signage advertising the STR. Outdoor pools and hot tubs prohibited 10 PM to 8 AM. Snow removed within one hour. Penalty for unlicensed operation: $1,000 per day minimum, a Class B misdemeanor.

LLCs welcome: Wasa Valley Holdings LLC received CUP approval in Dec 2025.

13.76.735 · Ord. 2012-15 amended by Ord. 2015-02

Cottonwood Heights

Conditional

Effectively a condo play. Roughly 90% of legal STRs sit in three communities.

Owner-Occ
Not required
License
CUP + business
Active permits
~110 to 120
Enforcement
Aggressive
Ordinance detail

Where they work: About 90% of legal STRs are in Canyon Racquet Club Condominiums (7430 Wasatch Blvd) and Oaks at Wasatch (Wasatch Grove Lane). Outside those communities, expect heavy enforcement.

Penalty: Fines of $650 and up for unlicensed operation; repeat offenses escalate to multi-year permit bans. The council was discussing an owner-occupancy requirement as of mid-2024. Verify current status.

Ch. 19.89 Short-Term Rentals

Salt Lake City

Effectively Banned

The capital is the hardest market in the county. No new licenses are being issued.

Owner-Occ
N/A
Licenses
Suspended
Allowed zones
Commercial only
Enforcement
Aggressive
Ordinance detail

Status: STRs are treated as hotel, motel, and B&B use, allowed only in Mixed-Use, Downtown, and Gateway zones. The city currently does not issue business licenses for short-term rentals, pending adoption of a new ordinance.

For investors: Realistic plays are commercial or mixed-use property only. Residential conversion is not viable.

SLC Zoning Ordinance · Planning FAQ confirms license suspension

Sandy

Owner-Occupied

An established program, but an explicit residency requirement kills the investor model.

Owner-Occ
183+ days/yr
License cap
By area/pop
Max stay
29 days
In place since
Late 2018
Ordinance detail

Requirements: Owner must occupy the property at least 183 days per year. Annual permit plus business license. City inspections required. City rules posted inside the dwelling. Licenses capped by neighborhood area and population.

Strong demand: Real Salt Lake stadium and ski access via Little Cottonwood, but only viable for owner-occupiers.

Murray

Owner-Occupied

Allows STRs to give homeowners an income stream. Not designed for investors.

Owner-Occ
Required
License
Planning app + business
Stay length
Under 30 days
Process
Planning Division
Ordinance detail

Framework: Planning Division application plus business license. The stated purpose of the ordinance is to give homeowners supplemental income while monitoring community impact, framed around owner participation, not investment.

Millcreek

Owner-Occupied

A citywide pathway, but locked behind residency and a total license cap.

Owner-Occ
Required
Total cap
Yes
Scope
Citywide
Cert. required
Parking/noise
Ordinance detail

Notable: Of the owner-occupied Wasatch Front cities, Millcreek is the most permissive in geographic scope, with licenses available citywide rather than restricted to specific zones. But residency plus the cap remove investor optionality.

Application: Applicants must certify they understand parking and noise codes.

South Salt Lake

Owner-Occupied

A comprehensive 2025 program, but ownership and residency are required and ADUs are excluded.

Owner-Occ
Required
Citywide cap
Yes
Per-block cap
Yes
ADUs
Prohibited
Ordinance detail

Eligibility: Must be an owner-occupied duplex, an owner-occupied rental property, or owned by a primary resident of South Salt Lake. ADUs cannot be STRs.

Operating standards: Citywide and per-block caps, occupancy limits, inspections, posting requirements, district restrictions. The city has actively encouraged STRs in small regulated quantities in re-investment areas.

Ordinance 2025-05 · Consolidated Fee Schedule

Taylorsville

Effectively Banned

No STR ordinance and no licensing pathway. The rental code is framed around 30-day-plus tenancy.

STR ordinance
None
Rental min
1 month+
R-1 enforcement
Strict
Verify w/
801-955-2013
Ordinance detail

Status: The Rental Dwelling License code defines a rental dwelling as available for one month or longer. No STR category in licensing. No short-term rental listed as a permitted use in any zone. Hard R-1 enforcement on conversions.

Practical reality: Operating an STR here carries real enforcement risk. Verify directly with Community Development before any deal.

Brighton

Conditional

A mountain resort town with caps. The investor model is allowed but supply is limited.

Owner-Occ
Not required
License cap
15% per community
Silver Fork cap
31 licenses
Reapply ban
If violated
Ordinance detail

How it works: Caps set at 15% of dwellings with water and sewer connections in the Silver Fork and Pine Tree communities. The cap is updated annually from a May 1 dwelling count. If the cap is hit, you are on the waitlist.

Enforcement teeth: Property owners who violate the regulations cannot re-apply for licensure.

Title 5, Ch. 19 · Ord. 2023-O-2-1 amended by Ord. 2025-O-6-2

Alta

Verify

A tiny ski town in Little Cottonwood Canyon. A resort-driven economy, likely permissive but not confirmed.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~370
Verify w/
Town Clerk
Note
Resort context
Ordinance detail

Status: We could not confirm a current STR ordinance. The town economy is entirely ski-tourism driven, which suggests permissiveness, but inventory is extremely limited and most lodging is commercial.

Bluffdale

Verify

No public STR ordinance located. A rapidly growing residential city.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~19,000
Verify w/
Planning
Note
Growth market
Ordinance detail

Note: Cities in growth mode often have not written STR rules yet, which can mean permitted-by-default or banned-by-default depending on the underlying zoning language ("permits all uses except those prohibited" versus "prohibits all uses except those permitted"). Worth a direct planning call.

Copperton

Verify

A metro township under the Greater SLC MSD. Likely governed by Salt Lake County Chapter 5.19.

Governance
MSD
Applies
SLCo 5.19
Population
~830
Note
Historic mining
Ordinance detail

Framework: The Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District handles business licensing. Salt Lake County Chapter 5.19 (Short-Term Rentals) likely applies. Tiny inventory.

Draper

Verify

A high-income market with no public STR ordinance located. Likely restrictive.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~52,000
Verify w/
Planning
Note
Heavy HOA presence
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Draper has been mentioned as reviewing STR rules, but no published ordinance was located. Heavy HOA prevalence in newer developments means CC&Rs may prohibit STRs regardless of city posture.

Emigration Canyon

Verify

A metro township in the canyon corridor. Governed via the MSD and county ordinance.

Governance
MSD
Applies
SLCo 5.19
Character
Rural/canyon
Note
Limited supply
Ordinance detail

Framework: Salt Lake County Chapter 5.19 likely applies via the MSD. Verify with county business licensing.

Herriman

Verify

A fast-growing southwest valley city. No confirmed STR pathway.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~62,000
Verify w/
Planning
Note
Heavy HOA
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Rapid growth, master-planned developments, heavy HOA presence. CC&Rs frequently prohibit STRs even where the city allows them.

Kearns

Verify

A metro township under the MSD. Likely subject to Salt Lake County Chapter 5.19.

Governance
MSD
Applies
SLCo 5.19
Population
~37,000
Note
Olympic Oval
Ordinance detail

Framework: The Greater Salt Lake MSD handles business licensing. Chapter 5.19 likely applies. The 2034 Olympic potential could shift demand here.

Magna

Verify

An incorporated metro city under the MSD. Subject to the Salt Lake County STR ordinance.

Governance
MSD
Applies
SLCo 5.19
Population
~30,000
Note
Great Saltair
Ordinance detail

Framework: Pull SLCo Chapter 5.19 for the operating rules. STR demand is limited but could grow as the west side develops.

Midvale

Verify

A central valley city with no confirmed STR ordinance located.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~34,000
Verify w/
Planning
Note
TOD nearby
Ordinance detail

Practical note: A mature suburban market with decent transit access via Bingham Junction TRAX. Worth a direct planning call.

Riverton

Verify

Southwest valley residential. No confirmed STR ordinance.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~46,000
Verify w/
Planning
Note
Family-oriented
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Heavy family residential character. Even if zoning is silent, neighborhood pressure makes investor STRs unlikely to operate quietly.

South Jordan

Verify

Daybreak and the Beehive: a large planned community with HOAs. No confirmed city STR ordinance.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~80,000
Verify w/
Planning
Note
Heavy HOA
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Daybreak HOA rules are extremely restrictive; CC&Rs will likely prohibit STRs regardless of city posture. Outside master-planned areas, verify with planning.

West Valley City

Verify

Utah's second-largest city. The STR ordinance is not located publicly.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~140,000
Verify w/
Planning
Note
Maverik Center
Ordinance detail

Practical note: A large, diverse market with event-venue demand. WVC tends to be permissive on business licensing generally, so there is STR-friendly potential, but verify zoning treatment directly.

White City

Verify

A metro township under the MSD. Subject to the Salt Lake County STR ordinance.

Governance
MSD
Applies
SLCo 5.19
Population
~5,500
Note
Adjacent to Sandy
Ordinance detail

Framework: Salt Lake County Chapter 5.19 likely applies via the MSD.

Unincorporated SLCo

Conditional

The county has a dedicated STR ordinance. It applies to all MSD areas plus unincorporated parcels.

Owner-Occ
Per Ch. 5.19
License
Required
Code section
Ch. 5.19
Zoning def.
19.04.547
Ordinance detail

Framework: Salt Lake County Code Title 5, Chapter 5.19 governs unincorporated areas and is the default framework for MSD municipalities. Title 19 Zoning defines STR at 19.04.547.

Pull the code: library.municode.com, then Salt Lake County, then Title 5 / Title 19.

Code of Ordinances Title 5 Ch. 5.19 · 19.04.547

ii. Utah County

25 jurisdictions · College towns and the tech corridor

Provo

Conditional

A BYU town with active enforcement. STRs allowed via CUP in limited zones, not in most residential.

Owner-Occ
By zone
License
Business + CUP
Active listings
~250
Enforcement
Software-aided
Ordinance detail

Requirements: Business license required. Conditional use permit required in some zones. STR is currently only allowed in zones where hotel and motel uses are permitted. The city uses scanning software to compare online listings against its occupancy database.

Demand: BYU events, graduation, and conferences drive a seasonal premium. The downtown 15-unit STR in an old church ("Bell Tower") is a notable creative-use precedent.

Orem

Conditional

Allowed with a business license, but neighborhood-level zoning restrictions and increasing enforcement.

Owner-Occ
By zone
License
Required
Zoning
Restricted
Enforcement
Increasing
Ordinance detail

Framework: A business license is required for all STR operations. Specific neighborhoods restrict or prohibit STRs via zoning. Noise and parking ordinances are enforced more strictly against STRs than other rentals.

UVU + tech corridor: Solid demand for short-stay accommodations near the university and Silicon Slopes.

Saratoga Springs

Effectively Banned

The city explicitly prohibits short-term rentals. No legal pathway.

STRs
Not allowed
ADU STRs
Not allowed
Code section
19.20
Definition
Under 30 days
Ordinance detail

City FAQ explicit: "Short-term rentals are not allowed in the City." Internal ADUs require owner-occupancy (a 50%-plus ownership stake must reside on the property) for any rental use, and STR is not a permitted use of ADUs.

Saratoga Springs LDC 19.20 · Official City FAQs

Lehi

Verify

A major tech corridor city. Active STR listings, but no specific ordinance located.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~96,000
Active listings
Many
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Silicon Slopes adjacency drives business-traveler demand. Many active listings exist, but operating in a permitted zone with proper licensing is critical. Verify zoning eligibility directly.

American Fork

Verify

An active STR market with no confirmed dedicated ordinance.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~38,000
Active listings
Yes
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Gateway to American Fork Canyon, near Thanksgiving Point. Demand from both leisure and business travel. Verify city ordinance status before purchase.

Spanish Fork

Verify

Active rental activity, no confirmed STR ordinance.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~46,000
Active listings
Yes
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Hobble Creek Canyon and Sundance access drive demand from outdoor recreation. Verify zoning posture before acting.

Springville

Verify

Active rental listings present. No confirmed dedicated STR ordinance located.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~36,000
Active listings
Yes
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Hobble Creek Canyon access. A pet-friendly market with vacation-rental demand. Verify with planning.

Pleasant Grove

Verify

Active listings, no confirmed dedicated STR framework.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~38,000
Active listings
Yes
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: A family-oriented suburb between Lehi and Provo. Existing inventory suggests a permissive baseline, but verify zoning.

Vineyard

Verify

The newest Utah County city. STR rules are likely still developing.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~17,000
Character
New TOD
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: A highly planned community on Utah Lake with new construction. CC&Rs in new developments may restrict STR use.

Alpine

Verify

A high-income foothill community. No confirmed STR ordinance.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~10,000
Median income
High
Note
Low-density
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Low-density residential character makes investor STR activity unusual. HOA presence is common.

Highland

Verify

A family-residential foothill community. No confirmed STR ordinance.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~19,000
Note
Residential
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Adjacent to American Fork Canyon. Generally low STR activity.

Cedar Hills

Verify

A small residential city. No confirmed STR pathway.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~10,000
Note
Residential
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Adjacent to American Fork. Residential character. Verify with planning.

Lindon

Verify

A small commercial-mixed suburb. No confirmed STR ordinance.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~11,000
Note
Commercial corridor
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Mixed commercial and residential. Verify zoning treatment of STR.

Mapleton

Verify

A small residential city. No confirmed STR pathway.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~12,000
Note
Residential
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Adjacent to Springville. Quiet residential character.

Payson

Verify

A southern Utah County city. No confirmed STR ordinance.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~22,000
Note
Lower price point
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Affordable entry, Maple Mountain proximity. Lower-tier STR demand.

Salem

Verify

A small city. No confirmed STR ordinance.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~10,000
Note
Salem Pond
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Mostly residential, with limited STR demand outside the Salem Pond area.

Santaquin

Verify

A small city at the south end of the valley. No confirmed STR ordinance.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~14,000
Note
Rural-suburban
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: A small market with limited STR demand. Generally a permissive small-city posture.

Eagle Mountain

Verify

A rapidly growing west-side city. No confirmed STR ordinance.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~58,000
Note
Heavy HOA
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Rapid population growth, but HOA-heavy. CC&Rs likely prohibit STRs in most newer subdivisions.

Elk Ridge

Verify

A small foothills community. No confirmed STR ordinance.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~4,000
Note
Rural-residential
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Quiet residential, near Maple Mountain. A limited STR market.

Woodland Hills

Verify

A tiny upscale community. No confirmed STR ordinance.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~1,600
Note
Low-density
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Very small and residential. A negligible STR market.

Cedar Fort

Verify

A rural town. No confirmed STR ordinance.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~430
Note
Rural
Verify w/
Town
Ordinance detail

Practical note: A negligible STR market.

Fairfield

Verify

A tiny rural town, home to historic Camp Floyd. No confirmed STR ordinance.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~120
Note
Tiny rural
Verify w/
Town
Ordinance detail

Practical note: No meaningful STR market.

Genola

Verify

A small rural town. No confirmed STR ordinance.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~1,600
Note
Rural
Verify w/
Town
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Negligible STR demand.

Goshen

Verify

A rural town. No confirmed STR ordinance.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~990
Note
Rural
Verify w/
Town
Ordinance detail

Practical note: A negligible market.

Unincorporated Utah Co.

Verify

The county has its own STR ordinance for unincorporated areas. Pull it directly.

County ord.
Exists
Applies
Outside cities
Demand
Recreation
Verify w/
County
Ordinance detail

Framework: If a property is outside any city's incorporated limits, Utah County's own STR ordinances apply. Verify before relying on this for a development play.

iii. Davis County

16 jurisdictions · Lakefront and bedroom communities

Bountiful

Owner-Occupied

Allowed, but ADU-only with owner-occupancy and a neighbor-noticed public hearing.

Owner-Occ
Required
ADU only
Yes
Per-lot cap
1
Allowed zones
R, RM, DN
Ordinance detail

Key restriction: 14-14-128(D)(2): short-term rentals are only allowed within approved Accessory Dwelling Units. It is unlawful to operate one within an entire single-family dwelling, duplex, or multi-family property.

Owner-occupancy: 14-14-124(E)(6): the owner must occupy either the principal unit or the ADU as a permanent residence. LLC ownership does not satisfy this.

Process: Public hearing before the Administrative Committee with notice to property owners within 300 feet.

14-14-127 (current) / 14-14-128 (former) · 14-14-124 (ADU)

North Salt Lake

Owner-Occupied

A clear program, but residency is required. More flexible than Bountiful: not ADU-only.

Owner-Occ
Required
Per property
1 STR
Max stay
30 days
License
Land use + business
Ordinance detail

Standards: Land use permit plus business license required. The primary dwelling must be owner-occupied. One additional off-street parking space per two bedrooms. Maximum rental period 30 days per stay.

ADU option: Renting an ADU as an STR requires a separate ADU land use permit on top of the STR permit.

Advantage over Bountiful: Not ADU-only; you can rent part of a primary residence (basement, room, or portion).

NSL City Code · STR Regulations PDF

Layton

Effectively Banned

The city doesn't regulate STRs but explicitly bans ADU STRs. A gray zone with real risk.

STR ordinance
None
ADU STRs
Banned
Population
~83,000
Largest Davis city
Yes
Ordinance detail

City FAQ: "The City does not currently regulate short-term rentals," but also "Short-term rental of the ADU is not permitted." This creates a gray zone for whole-home STRs in permitted zones.

Risk: Operating in a regulatory vacuum is risky; the city could enact rules at any time and apply them to existing operations. Verify directly before any deal.

Centerville

Verify

No confirmed STR ordinance located. A small bedroom community.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~17,000
Note
Residential
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Between Bountiful and Farmington. Given that neighboring cities have written ordinances, Centerville may be working on one.

Farmington

Verify

Station Park and Lagoon-adjacent. No confirmed STR ordinance.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~25,000
Demand driver
Lagoon
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Lagoon amusement park and the Station Park retail center drive seasonal demand. The county seat. Worth a direct planning call given the demand profile.

Kaysville

Verify

No confirmed STR ordinance. Mid-county residential.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~33,000
Note
Residential
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Family residential character. Verify with planning.

Clearfield

Verify

No confirmed STR ordinance. Hill AFB adjacent.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~32,000
Demand
Hill AFB visitors
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Hill Air Force Base drives extended-stay and visiting-family demand. Worth pursuing if zoning is permissive.

Clinton

Verify

No confirmed STR ordinance. A small residential city.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~23,000
Note
Residential
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: West Davis residential, Hill AFB adjacent.

Syracuse

Verify

No confirmed STR ordinance. Antelope Island access.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~37,000
Demand
Antelope Island
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Gateway to Antelope Island State Park. Recreation-driven STR demand potential.

West Bountiful

Verify

No confirmed STR ordinance. A small mixed-use city.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~6,000
Note
Industrial/residential
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Mixed character: an industrial corridor along Legacy plus residential. Verify zoning.

Woods Cross

Verify

No confirmed STR ordinance. A small mixed-use city.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~12,000
Note
Refinery corridor
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: A refinery and industrial corridor. Limited STR appeal.

South Weber

Verify

No confirmed STR ordinance. A small foothill city.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~8,000
Note
Residential
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Quiet residential, a gateway to Snowbasin via I-84.

Fruit Heights

Verify

No confirmed STR ordinance. Foothill residential.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~6,000
Note
Residential
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: Mostly residential, between Kaysville and Layton. The city has been working on general plan updates.

West Point

Verify

No confirmed STR ordinance. Small rural-residential.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~12,000
Note
Rural-residential
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: West Davis residential. Limited STR demand.

Sunset

Verify

A small city near Hill AFB. No confirmed STR ordinance.

STR ordinance
Unconfirmed
Population
~5,500
Note
Hill AFB adjacent
Verify w/
Planning
Ordinance detail

Practical note: A small footprint, mostly residential.

Unincorporated Davis Co.

Verify

The county collects a 4.5% TRT on all STR stays as of July 2025. Local ordinance varies.

County TRT
4.5% (Jul 2025)
County STR ord.
Verify
Authority
59-12-301
Effective
07/02/2025
Ordinance detail

Tax framework: Davis County imposed a Transient Room Tax of up to 4.5% on short-term rentals effective July 2, 2025, applied countywide on top of state sales tax. Whatever city-level zoning applies, the tax applies.

For developers: The county TRT is a meaningful cost in your pro forma. Budget it.

Davis Co. Ord. #2025-663 · Utah Code 59-12-301(1)(a)(ii)

Strategic notes

What the data actually says.

Owner-occupancy is the gate.

Across the three counties, the cities with the clearest STR ordinances mostly require the owner to live on the property. Sandy, Murray, Millcreek, South Salt Lake, Bountiful, and North Salt Lake are all owner-occupied. The investor-only model is dead in those markets. The unlocked plays are West Jordan, Holladay, Cottonwood Heights, and Brighton.

West Jordan is the find.

Ordinances 25-16 and 25-23 (April and July 2025) gave the city a permissive, low-cost STR framework with no residency requirement: a $325 annual fee, 100-foot neighbor notice, on-site parking only. Combined with the metro location and roughly 120 active STRs already operating, this is the strongest investor pathway in the south valley. Verify zone eligibility first.

Holladay's 66-foot right-of-way rule is the filter.

Section 13.76.735(I) requires STR sites to front a street with at least 66 feet of right-of-way per the city's circulation map. That essentially limits legal STRs to collector and arterial streets such as Wasatch Blvd, Holladay Blvd, 4500 South, and Highland Dr. Most quiet cul-de-sac lots do not qualify, and the scarcity is the opportunity for anyone willing to do the homework.

Cottonwood Heights is a condo play.

Of roughly 120 legal STRs in the city, about 90% sit in two condo communities, Canyon Racquet Club and Oaks at Wasatch. Outside those, expect enforcement. This is the closest thing to a turnkey market in Salt Lake County: the comps are deep, licensing is established, and the buyer pool understands the asset class.

Davis County is the weakest tier.

Of 15 Davis cities, only Bountiful and North Salt Lake have clear STR pathways, and both require owner-occupancy. Layton is a regulatory gray zone with an ADU-STR ban. Most other Davis cities have no written ordinance, which is itself a risk: the law could change with little notice and apply to existing operations.

HB 256 changed enforcement.

Until 2024, state law prevented cities from using an Airbnb listing as the sole evidence of an illegal STR. HB 256 closed that loophole. Cities now have real enforcement teeth, and Park City and Salt Lake City both use monitoring software to scan listings against their license databases. The era of operate-first, apologize-later is over.

HOA CC&Rs are the silent killer.

City zoning allows STRs in plenty of subdivisions where the HOA covenants prohibit them. In Utah, CC&Rs are enforceable in court regardless of municipal posture. Daybreak, the Eagle Mountain master plans, and most newer subdivisions in Herriman and Lehi all carry restrictive language. Read the CC&Rs line by line before any STR-intended purchase.

Davis County's 4.5% transient room tax.

Effective July 2, 2025, Davis County imposes a Transient Room Tax of up to 4.5% on all short-term rental stays. It stacks on top of state sales tax (4.85%) and any city-level transient tax. Budget for roughly 13 to 14% in total taxes when modeling Davis County STR yields.

Before you rely on this.

Use this guide

This is a working intelligence brief, not legal advice. Cities update STR ordinances frequently. Verify any classification with the relevant planning department before relying on it for an acquisition.

Treat "Investor OK" cities as starting points, not destinations. Even the most permissive city requires zoning verification, HOA review, and CC&R inspection on a parcel-by-parcel basis.

Verify directly

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Prepared by Andrew Ho, CNE-certified Realtor, Unity Group Real Estate, Utah License #9693539-SA00. This represents publicly available information as of the compilation date. It is not a substitute for advice from a Utah-licensed attorney or municipal planning staff. Always confirm current ordinance language and HOA CC&Rs before any acquisition.

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