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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Garden City, UT

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are permitted subject to Garden City’s short-term rental licensing and rules. Applicants must follow the Short Term Rentals license code, complete building and fire inspections, and provide a local contact. Exemptions exist for hotels/motels and certain condominium properties. Owners must also collect the Rich County Transient Room Tax.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a Short-Term Rental application via the Town’s online portal (new applications accepted Jan 1–Apr 30). 2) Complete required building inspection (Glen Gillies) and fire inspection (Garden City Fire District). 3) Provide required materials such as floor/site plans and local contact info; the Town issues the license upon meeting all code requirements.

Regulatory Updates — Garden City

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedAugust 2023

Garden City STR Business License Requirement

Town requires annual STR business license with fire safety compliance; permit number required in all listings. Operators must also register for Rich County lodging tax.

PassedJuly 2024

Rich County Lodging Tax Update

County adjusted lodging tax rate; all STR operators must collect and remit monthly. County revenue officials increased compliance outreach to unregistered operators.

Under ReviewJune 2025

Garden City STR Zoning Classification Review

Town reviewing STR zoning classifications as Bear Lake summer tourism grows; no significant restrictions are anticipated given the resort character of the community.

Official Resources

Official Garden City STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Bear Lake Regional Tourism AssociationLocal

Regional tourism group supporting the vacation rental industry as the primary driver of Bear Lake's visitor economy on both the Utah and Idaho sides.

Utah Short Term Rental AssociationStatewide

Statewide advocacy organization representing Utah STR operators; monitors legislation and provides compliance resources.

Vacation Rental Management AssociationNational

National trade association offering education, advocacy, and resources for professional vacation rental managers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Garden City, UT?
STRs are permitted subject to Garden City’s short-term rental licensing and rules. Applicants must follow the Short Term Rentals license code, complete building and fire inspections, and provide a local contact. Exemptions exist for hotels/motels and certain condominium properties. Owners must also collect the Rich County Transient Room Tax.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Garden City?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Garden City. 1) Submit a Short-Term Rental application via the Town’s online portal (new applications accepted Jan 1–Apr 30). 2) Complete required building inspection (Glen Gillies) and fire inspection (Garden City Fire District). 3) Provide required materials such as floor/site plans and local contact info; the Town issues the license upon meeting all code requirements.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Garden City?
1) Submit a Short-Term Rental application via the Town’s online portal (new applications accepted Jan 1–Apr 30). 2) Complete required building inspection (Glen Gillies) and fire inspection (Garden City Fire District). 3) Provide required materials such as floor/site plans and local contact info; the Town issues the license upon meeting all code requirements.
What's required for an STR in Garden City, Utah?
An annual Garden City STR business license with fire safety compliance, plus Rich County lodging tax registration. You must collect and remit lodging taxes monthly. Permit number must appear in all listings.
Is Bear Lake entirely in Utah?
Bear Lake straddles the Utah-Idaho border. Garden City and most vacation rental properties are on the Utah (west) side in Rich County. Properties on the Idaho side fall under Bear Lake County, ID jurisdiction with separate requirements.
Does Utah have state preemption for STRs?
No statewide preemption applies in Utah. Individual cities and counties regulate STRs independently. Garden City sets its own licensing requirements separate from Rich County's lodging tax obligations — both may apply to your property.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction