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Short-Term Rentals

St. George's Short-Term Rentals: The Rules That Matter

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In St. George, Utah, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Host Presence Rule

St. George does not require an on-site host, but every short-term rental must have a local property manager reachable around the clock and posted inside the unit.

Key details: Contact requirement: 24/7 local property manager. Posting required: In-unit sign with manager's phone number. Not required: Host does not need to live on-site. Enforcement: License revocation for violations.

Failure to designate or post a reachable local manager is a violation of the licensing article; the owner and property manager are jointly and severally liable, and the city can revoke the short-term rental business license under section 3-2V-1(H).

Short-Term Rental Permits

St. George requires a city business license for every short term residential rental property, with one license covering multiple units per owner.

Key details: License required: Business license per dwelling unit. Multi-property owners: One license covers all units. Transferability: Not transferable; 30-day notice. Enforcement: License revocation for violations.

Operating without the required business license is unlawful. A licensed unit found in violation of the article's requirements may have its short term residential rental business license revoked, and owner and property manager are jointly and severally liable.

Taxes & Fees

St. George levies a 1% transient room tax on gross rental revenue from stays under 30 consecutive days, and City Code makes short-term residential rental properties subject to it as part of their business license.

Key details: Tax rate: 1% of gross rental revenue. Applies to stays: under 30 consecutive days. STR tie-in: § 3-2V-1(C) applies the tax. Fee credit: offsets STR business license fee. Revenue use: city general fund.

Failure to pay the transient room tax or hold the required STR business license can trigger revocation of the license under § 3-2V-1(H); the owner and property manager are jointly and severally liable for article violations.

The Bottom Line

St. George's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming St. George is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on St. George's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.