Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Washington, UT

Airbnb listings are allowed in Washington, UT, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are restricted to designated/approved subdivisions. Each unit requires a business license, annual fire department inspections, and a local point of contact residing in Washington County; units with occupancy over 10 must have fire suppression systems. 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.

Short-term rentals are restricted to designated/approved subdivisions. Each unit requires a business license, annual fire department inspections, and a local point of contact residing in Washington County; units with occupancy over 10 must have fire suppression systems.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Washington. 1) Verify the property is in an approved subdivision and apply for a Washington City business license for each unit. 2) Schedule and pass an annual fire department inspection. 3) Designate a local point of contact residing in Washington County and comply with any HOA/PUD requirements.

1) Verify the property is in an approved subdivision and apply for a Washington City business license for each unit. 2) Schedule and pass an annual fire department inspection. 3) Designate a local point of contact residing in Washington County and comply with any HOA/PUD requirements.

Vrbo is permitted in Washington, 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.

Short-term rental hosts in Washington 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.

The most recent tracked change in Washington is "Washington City STR Business License Requirement" (2024-06-01, status: passed). All STR operators must obtain an annual city business license; fire safety inspections including smoke detectors, CO detectors, and fire extinguisher compliance are required. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.

Yes. A Washington City annual business license is required along with fire safety compliance (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguisher). You must also collect and remit the Washington County transient room tax (4.25%).

Currently STRs are permitted in most zones with a business license. The ongoing zoning code review may restrict them in certain R-1 districts; operators should monitor city council proceedings.

No general statewide preemption applies. Individual cities and counties regulate STRs independently. Washington City sets its own requirements separate from neighboring St. George or unincorporated Washington County.