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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in St. George, UT

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are restricted to designated zoning districts and are strictly prohibited in single-family zones. Operators must limit occupancy to two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests, provide one off-street parking space per bedroom, and display the STR permit number on all advertisements. A local responsible party must be available 24/7 to respond to complaints, and the unit must meet specific safety standards including fire extinguishers and exit maps.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a completed STR Permit application at least 30 days prior to operation, including proof of ownership, floor/plot plans, local contact info, and proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance. 2) Undergo a mandatory initial inspection by the city and pay all applicable application and inspection fees. 3) Obtain a valid occupational license and register to remit all applicable sales and occupancy taxes; permits must be renewed annually contingent on re-inspection.

Regulatory Updates — St. George

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedSeptember 2024

St. George STR Permit Renewal Requirements Tightened

St. George added new inspection requirements to annual STR permit renewals, including fire safety equipment verification and exterior property standards.

Under ReviewJanuary 2025

Washington County STR Coordination

Washington County began aligning STR rules with St. George for unincorporated areas near city limits, reducing cross-boundary regulatory gaps.

ProposedApril 2025

St. George Considers STR Density Caps in Residential Zones

The city council discussed imposing density caps on STRs in residential neighborhoods where saturation is affecting neighborhood character.

Official Resources

Official St. George STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Statewide advocacy group for STR owners and managers across Utah.

Local business chamber representing tourism and hospitality industries in the St. George area.

National trade organization for professional vacation rental managers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in St. George, UT?
Airbnb listings are allowed in St. George, UT, but with restrictions. STRs are restricted to designated zoning districts and are strictly prohibited in single-family zones. Operators must limit occupancy to two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests, provide one off-street parking space per bedroom, and display the STR permit number on all advertisements. A local responsible party must be available 24/7 to respond to complaints, and the unit must meet specific safety standards including fire extinguishers and exit maps. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in St. George, UT?
STRs are restricted to designated zoning districts and are strictly prohibited in single-family zones. Operators must limit occupancy to two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests, provide one off-street parking space per bedroom, and display the STR permit number on all advertisements. A local responsible party must be available 24/7 to respond to complaints, and the unit must meet specific safety standards including fire extinguishers and exit maps.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in St. George?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in St. George. 1) Submit a completed STR Permit application at least 30 days prior to operation, including proof of ownership, floor/plot plans, local contact info, and proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance. 2) Undergo a mandatory initial inspection by the city and pay all applicable application and inspection fees. 3) Obtain a valid occupational license and register to remit all applicable sales and occupancy taxes; permits must be renewed annually contingent on re-inspection.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in St. George?
1) Submit a completed STR Permit application at least 30 days prior to operation, including proof of ownership, floor/plot plans, local contact info, and proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance. 2) Undergo a mandatory initial inspection by the city and pay all applicable application and inspection fees. 3) Obtain a valid occupational license and register to remit all applicable sales and occupancy taxes; permits must be renewed annually contingent on re-inspection.
Is Vrbo legal in St. George, UT?
Vrbo is permitted in St. George, UT under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in St. George?
Short-term rental hosts in St. George are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in St. George?
The most recent tracked change in St. George is "St. George STR Permit Renewal Requirements Tightened" (2024-09-01, status: passed). St. George added new inspection requirements to annual STR permit renewals, including fire safety equipment verification and exterior property standards. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
What permits are required for an STR in St. George?
St. George requires a short-term rental permit, a business license, and compliance with zone-specific restrictions. Annual renewal includes an inspection. You must also collect and remit Utah's transient room tax.
Are STRs allowed in all zones of St. George?
No. St. George has zone-based restrictions. Some residential zones prohibit or limit STRs. Check your property's zone with the city's planning department before purchasing or operating.
Is St. George tightening STR rules due to tourism growth?
Yes. As a gateway to Zion and Bryce Canyon, St. George has experienced rapid tourism growth that has intensified housing competition. The city is actively reviewing density caps and stricter permit requirements.
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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: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction