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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Moab, UT

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals of dwellings are generally prohibited in most residential and commercial zones (A-2, C-1, C-3, C-S, FW, I-1, RED-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RA-1) unless specifically listed as a permitted use. Exceptions include qualifying participant accommodations, bed and breakfasts, and guest apartments complying with MMC Chapters 17.70 or 17.71.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit a nightly rental license application including all items required by MMC Section 5.04.030. 2. Pass mandatory inspections by the Building Inspector, Fire Chief, and Health Department. 3. Pay license fees based on the number of bedrooms and renew the license annually by July 1st.

Regulatory Updates — Moab

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJuly 2024

Moab Residential STR Moratorium Extended

Moab imposed a moratorium on new residential STR permits while the city evaluated long-term cap levels, citing the housing crisis.

PassedJanuary 2025

Moab STR Zone-Based Cap System Adopted

The city adopted a permanent zone-based cap system limiting STRs to a percentage of housing units per zone, with residential zones capped far below commercial zones.

Under ReviewApril 2025

Grand County STR Regulations Alignment

Grand County and Moab City began aligning STR regulations to reduce cross-boundary regulatory arbitrage, particularly for properties near city limits.

Official Resources

Official Moab STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Utah Short Term Rental AllianceStatewide

Statewide advocacy group for STR owners and property managers in Utah.

Moab Area Travel CouncilLocal

Destination marketing organization for the Moab area, representing tourism and lodging stakeholders.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade organization for professional vacation rental managers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Moab, UT?
Short-term rentals of dwellings are generally prohibited in most residential and commercial zones (A-2, C-1, C-3, C-S, FW, I-1, RED-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RA-1) unless specifically listed as a permitted use. Exceptions include qualifying participant accommodations, bed and breakfasts, and guest apartments complying with MMC Chapters 17.70 or 17.71.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Moab?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Moab. 1. Submit a nightly rental license application including all items required by MMC Section 5.04.030. 2. Pass mandatory inspections by the Building Inspector, Fire Chief, and Health Department. 3. Pay license fees based on the number of bedrooms and renew the license annually by July 1st.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Moab?
1. Submit a nightly rental license application including all items required by MMC Section 5.04.030. 2. Pass mandatory inspections by the Building Inspector, Fire Chief, and Health Department. 3. Pay license fees based on the number of bedrooms and renew the license annually by July 1st.
Can I get a new STR permit in Moab right now?
It depends on your zone and whether the cap has been reached. Moab's zone-based cap system limits new permits in residential areas. Contact the city's planning department to determine the current availability for your specific zone.
What does Moab require to operate a legal STR?
Operators need a city business license, an STR permit for their specific zone, compliance with occupancy limits and parking requirements, and collection/remittance of transient room tax.
Are STR permits in Moab transferable when selling a property?
STR permits in Moab are generally non-transferable. A new property owner must apply for a permit through the city, and approval is subject to whether the zone's cap has been reached.
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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