Pop. 95,000
St. George permits urban beekeeping subject to registration and setback requirements. Hives must be maintained responsibly and not create a nuisance for neighbors.
St. George may allow backyard chickens with limits. Roosters typically banned in residential areas. Livestock requires agricultural zoning.
St. George restricts the keeping of wild, exotic, or dangerous animals in residential areas. Utah state law also regulates the possession of certain species through the Division of Wildlife Resources.
St. George regulates carports as accessory structures under Title 10 (Zoning Regulations). Section 10-2-1 defines a carport as a private garage not completely enclosed by walls and a door. Yard-and-setback rules in Section 10-5-6 (Yards Unobstructed - Exceptions), the residential-zone requirements in Chapter 10-7, and the street-setback rules in Section 10-7-5 govern where a carport can be placed. Building permits are required for carport construction, and an attached or detached carport must meet the International Residential Code as adopted by Utah and St. George.
St. George regulates sheds and accessory structures through the zoning ordinance. Small sheds under a certain size may not require a building permit, but must meet setback requirements.
Garage conversions in St. George require a building permit and must comply with zoning requirements for off-street parking. Converting a garage may require providing replacement parking spaces.
St. George allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in certain residential zones under specific conditions per the city's zoning ordinance. ADUs must meet size, setback, and parking requirements.
Utah regulates tiny homes through the State Construction Code. Tiny homes on permanent foundations must meet the IRC including Appendix Q for dwellings under 400 square feet. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles or park models with separate standards.
St. George regulates short-term residential rentals (rentals of fewer than 30 consecutive days) under St. George City Code Title 3, Chapter 2, Article V (Short Term Residential Rental Properties) and Title 10, Section 10-17A-13 (Short-Term Residential Rental - Specific Standards). STRs are not a permitted use in standard single-family residential zones; they are confined to designated zones such as planned resort developments. Each licensed STR must post a clearly visible interior sign that lists the maximum occupancy of the unit along with the local property manager's name and phone number and the day of garbage pickup.
St. George requires every short-term residential rental operator to obtain a business license under City Code Title 3, Chapter 2, Article V before renting fewer than 30 consecutive days, and proof of insurance is collected as part of the licensing process. Standard Utah homeowner policies typically exclude short-term rental business activity, so most St. George operators rely on a stand-alone commercial STR policy or platform liability coverage (Airbnb Host Liability up to USD 1 million per occurrence; Vrbo Liability Insurance) in addition to whatever proof the City requires at application.
St. George requires a business license for all short-term residential rental properties under Title 3, Chapter 2, Article V. Short-term rentals of less than 28 days are not allowed in single-family residential zones.
Short-term rental guests in St. George must comply with the city's noise ordinance. Property managers are responsible for ensuring guests do not create disturbances, and repeated noise complaints can result in license revocation.
Short-term rental operators in St. George must collect and remit the Transient Room Tax (TRT) in addition to state and local sales taxes. A business license fee also applies.
Short-term rental properties in St. George must provide adequate off-street parking for guests. On-street parking may be limited depending on the zone and HOA restrictions.
St. George prohibits loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise that annoys or disturbs others under Title 4-2-3 of the City Code. The ordinance targets noise that endangers comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of residents.
St. George prohibits dogs that constitute a nuisance through persistent barking, howling, or yelping under the city's animal control ordinances. Animal Services investigates complaints and may issue citations.
St. George regulates construction noise through its general nuisance ordinance and building permit conditions. Construction is generally permitted during daytime hours on weekdays and Saturdays, with restrictions near residential areas.
Aircraft noise in Utah is regulated almost entirely by the Federal Aviation Administration under federal law. Utah Code Title 72 Chapter 10 (Aeronautics Act) recognizes federal supremacy, and municipalities cannot impose flight-path or in-air noise limits.
St. George requires all residential swimming pools to have a barrier (fence) at least 5 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates, in compliance with the International Building Code.
Above-ground pools in St. George must comply with the same barrier and safety requirements as in-ground pools. A building permit may be required depending on the pool size.
St. George requires swimming pools to comply with safety standards including anti-entrapment drain covers, safety equipment, and proper chemical maintenance under the adopted building codes.
Utah's adopted construction code applies the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code to all permanent residential and public spas. Hot tubs with locking covers may be exempt from barrier requirements; public spas follow R392-302 health rules statewide.
Utah State Construction Code adopts the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, requiring building permits for pool construction statewide. Local jurisdictions enforce, but the technical standards for pool construction, barriers, and inspection apply uniformly through Utah Code Title 15A.
St. George enforces water conservation regulations due to the arid desert climate. Outdoor watering schedules are established seasonally, and waste of water is prohibited.
St. George generally allows property owners to remove trees on their private property without a permit, unless the tree is in a protected area or subject to development conditions.
St. George enforces weed abatement. Utah Noxious Weed Act (Utah Code Β§4-17-101) applies statewide. County weed boards enforce.
St. George enforces property maintenance standards that require yards to be kept neat and free of overgrown vegetation. While traditional grass lawns are less common in the desert climate, maintained landscaping is required.
St. George requires property owners to maintain trees so they do not obstruct public sidewalks, streets, or sight lines. Trees must be trimmed to provide adequate clearance over public areas.
Utah Code 73-3-1.5 universally permits limited rainwater capture statewide. Homeowners may collect up to 2,500 gallons in covered storage without registration, while underground storage and amounts up to 2,500 gallons require free registration with the Utah Division of Water Rights.
St. George heavily restricts fireworks due to the arid climate and wildfire risk. Consumer fireworks are only legal during designated periods around July 4th and July 24th (Pioneer Day), and restrictions apply in many areas.
Open burning is generally prohibited in St. George due to the desert climate and fire risk. Permits are required for any authorized burning, and burning of trash or debris is not allowed.
St. George allows recreational fire pits subject to safety requirements and current fire conditions. Gas fire pits are preferred over wood-burning due to the desert fire risk environment.
Utah Code 53-7-301 et seq. and Utah Administrative Rule R710-6 give the State Fire Marshal exclusive authority over liquefied petroleum gas, adopting NFPA 58 statewide for tank installation, storage, certification, and operator licensing.
Utah Code Title 65A, Chapter 8 grants the state forester authority over wildfire prevention statewide, including closed fire season declarations, restricted fire areas, and the Wildland Urban Interface program coordinating municipal mitigation standards.
St. George prohibits external signage for home-based businesses in residential zones. No signs advertising the business may be displayed on the property or vehicles regularly parked at the home.
St. George permits home-based businesses in residential zones through a home occupation permit. Businesses must be secondary to the residential use and comply with specific operating conditions.
St. George limits customer visits to home-based businesses. Home occupations must not generate traffic beyond what is normal for a residential area.
Utah's Home Consumption and Homemade Food Act allows producers to sell most homemade foods directly to informed end consumers without licensing or inspection, preempting local restrictions on registered cottage food sales.
Utah requires state licensure or certification for residential child care above set thresholds, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, with statewide standards that local zoning cannot override for licensed family providers.
St. George regulates street parking throughout the city. Vehicles may not be parked on public streets for extended periods, and parking restrictions vary by zone and posted signage.
St. George requires driveways to meet specific design standards and prohibits parking on unpaved surfaces in residential areas. Driveway approaches must be permitted.
St. George restricts the parking of commercial vehicles in residential areas. Large commercial vehicles and equipment may not be stored in residential zones.
St. George restricts the parking and storage of recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers on residential properties and public streets. RVs may not be used as living quarters on residential lots.
Utah Code Title 41, Chapter 6a, Part 14 establishes uniform statewide procedures for impounding, noticing, and disposing of abandoned vehicles, with the Motor Vehicle Division managing title transfer through the Utah impound process.
Utah law restricts homeowners associations from prohibiting EV charging stations on owner-controlled property and sets state policy for public EV charging infrastructure investments through the Department of Transportation.
St. George requires the finished side of fences to face neighbors and public areas. Fences must be built within the owner's property line, and shared fence costs are handled privately.
St. George regulates fence heights under Title 10-18-1 of the City Code. Front yard fences are limited to 3 feet, while side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet in residential zones.
St. George requires permits for fence installation. Permit applications must include site plans showing the proposed fence location, height, and materials.
Utah adopts the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code statewide under Utah Code Title 15A. Residential pools must have barriers at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Local cities may impose stricter rules but cannot weaken state standards.
St. George enforces floodplain development regulations due to flash flood risk in the desert environment. Development in FEMA-designated flood zones requires permits and compliance with the city's floodplain ordinance.
Utah Division of Water Quality administers federally delegated NPDES stormwater permits under the Utah Water Quality Act, requiring construction and industrial dischargers statewide to obtain coverage and implement pollution prevention plans.
Utah caps the number of Medical Cannabis Pharmacies statewide and sets minimum siting standards. Cities may impose additional zoning, but cannot prohibit licensed pharmacies through outright bans inconsistent with state limits.
Utah law strictly prohibits home cultivation of cannabis, including by registered medical cannabis patients. All medical cannabis must be purchased from state-licensed pharmacies, and unauthorized cultivation remains a felony under the Utah Controlled Substances Act.
Commercial drone use in Utah is governed primarily by FAA Part 107 with Utah's UAS preemption statute limiting local interference. State law adds restrictions for emergencies, wildfires, and correctional facilities applicable to all operators.
Utah expressly preempts local regulation of unmanned aircraft systems, reserving authority to the state and federal governments. Recreational drone operators must follow FAA rules and Utah-specific restrictions on emergency scenes and wildfires.
Utah Title 34 Chapter 40 establishes the state minimum wage and preempts local governments from enacting their own minimum wage ordinances.
Utah preempts local paid leave mandates through employment regulation provisions, leaving private-sector leave benefits to employer discretion or state law.
Utah preempts local predictive scheduling and fair workweek ordinances by reserving employment scheduling regulation to the state Legislature.
Utah recognizes both a concealed firearm permit under Title 53 Chapter 5 and permitless concealed carry for qualifying adults statewide, preempting local restrictions.
Utah Code 53-5a-102 broadly preempts local firearm regulation, reserving authority to the Legislature with limited exceptions for state property and government buildings.
Utah generally allows open carry of firearms by adults who may lawfully possess them, with local regulation preempted by Utah Code 53-5a-102.
Utah Code 76-10-505 and related sections govern carrying firearms in vehicles, allowing loaded carry by qualifying adults under permitless carry while preempting local rules.
Utah Code 63G-12-301 and following sections require private employers with 15 or more employees to use a status verification system such as E-Verify for new hires.
Utah Code 17-22-9.5 requires county sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, effectively preempting sanctuary policies through HB 497 enforcement provisions.
Utah does not require just-cause for eviction and uses a streamlined unlawful detainer process under Title 78B Chapter 6 Part 8. Landlords may terminate month-to-month tenancies with 15 days notice for any lawful reason, and three-day notices apply for nonpayment.
Utah Code 10-8-85.5 and 17-50-336 expressly prohibit cities and counties from enacting any ordinance that controls rents charged on private residential property. Rent control is universally banned across Utah, with no exceptions for emergency or affordability initiatives.
Utah law supports agricultural zoning, greenbelt taxation, and Right to Farm protections that limit local restrictions on customary agricultural land uses.
Utah Code 78B-6-1101 protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits when surrounding land uses change toward residential development.
Utah Code 11-39-110 preempts local governments from regulating auxiliary containers including plastic bags, foam containers, and similar packaging items.
Utah Code 11-39-110 prevents local bans on polystyrene foam food containers by classifying them as preempted auxiliary containers under state law.
Utah Code 11-39-110 preempts local regulation of plastic straws and similar single-use service items as auxiliary containers under state law.
Utah Code 57-8a-801 and related provisions prohibit homeowner associations from unreasonably restricting solar energy systems. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic guidelines but cannot effectively prevent installation of solar collectors on lots they govern.
Utah's State Construction Code adopts uniform electrical and structural standards for rooftop solar installations. The Utah Solar Access Act limits unreasonable local restrictions, and the Public Service Commission governs net metering under Utah Code Title 54.
Utah Code 76-10-104 prohibits sale, furnishing, or provision of tobacco and electronic cigarettes to anyone under 21 years of age statewide.
Utah restricts flavored electronic cigarette products outside specialty tobacco retailers, regulating where minors-prohibited flavored vapes may lawfully be sold.
Utah regulates vape retailers under Title 26B and Title 59, requiring licensing, age verification, and compliance with state nicotine and flavor restrictions.