Short-Term Rental (STR) Investor's Guide: Logan, Utah

Overview: Are STRs Allowed in Logan, UT?

Explicit Answer: Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Logan, UT, but only with proper authorization. They are not a matter-of-right use. In residential zones, including the Traditional Neighborhood Residential (NR-6) zone, an STR requires two primary approvals before operation:

1. A Conditional Use Permit (CUP). This is a discretionary approval process reviewed by the Planning Commission, which assesses the proposal's compatibility with the neighborhood.
2. A Business License. This is obtained through the city's Business Licensing Department after the CUP is approved.

The purpose of these regulations (outlined in LDC §17.37.130) is to ensure STRs are compatible with residential neighborhoods and do not unreasonably reduce long-term housing opportunities.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Logan, UT

The process for starting an STR in Logan is straightforward but requires careful adherence to regulations and coordination between city departments.

1. Conceptualize and Plan: Identify a property in a residential zone (like NR-6) and conceptualize your STR business plan.
2. Verify Zoning and Proximity Compliance: Check that the property meets the city's STR proximity requirements (see "Specific Regulations" below). The city maintains a list of permitted STRs, but you, as the applicant, are responsible for confirming your location meets the distance requirements from other existing STRs.
3. Submit a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Application: This is submitted to the Community Development Department.
   • Prepare a complete application, including a detailed site plan, floor plans, and a management plan outlining how you will operate the STR responsibly (e.g., guest screening, noise mitigation).
   • Pay the required application fee.
4. Attend Public Hearings: The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing for your application. Neighbors within 300 feet will be notified.
5. Receive CUP Approval: If the Planning Commission approves your application, they will issue a list of specific "Conditions of Approval" that you must follow. These conditions become a legal part of your property's use.
6. Obtain a Business License: Following CUP approval, apply for a business license with Logan City Business Licensing. This will require:
   • Proof of a passed building and fire safety inspection (conducted by Logan City).
   • Compliance with all building, fire, health, and safety codes.
   • Annual renewal of the license.
7. Begin Operations: You may now operate your STR, but only in full compliance with the CUP conditions, the business license requirements, and all city ordinances (including nuisance and noise ordinances).

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

The application and operational requirements are numerous and specific. Ensure you have the following:

• Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Application: Filed with the Community Development Department. Must include:
  • Site plan showing the location of the STR and required parking.
  • Detailed floor plans of the STR.
  • A comprehensive management plan.
  • Proof of ownership or legal authority to apply.
• Planning Commission Approval: The official approval of your CUP application with a recorded list of conditions.
• Business License Application: Filed with Logan City Business Licensing after CUP approval. Requires:
  • Approved CUP.
  • Proof of passed building and fire safety inspection.
• Building & Fire Safety Inspection: Conducted by Logan City. May require building permits for any necessary upgrades before the inspection can be passed.
• Compliance with Logan Municipal Code: Specifically:
  • LDC §17.37.130: The chapter detailing STR regulations.
  • LDC §17.42.050: The criteria the Planning Commission uses to approve a CUP.
  • City Nuisance and Noise Ordinances: Operated in full compliance at all times.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Logan, UT

The regulations are extensive and cover operational, safety, and community impact standards.

1. Density and Location:

• Proximity Requirement: A STR must be located at least 750 feet from another STR, as measured from property edge to property edge (owner-occupied STRs are exempt from this rule).
• Density Cap: The number of STRs citywide is capped at 2 STRs per every 1,000 residents.
• Multi-Unit Restriction: Only one STR is permitted inside a multi-unit building (e.g., duplex, triplex).

2. Operational Standards:

• Maximum Occupancy: Limited to two occupants per bedroom plus two additional occupants. For a 2-bedroom STR, this means a maximum of 6 occupants.
• Rental Contracts: Must be for 30 days or less.
• Repeat Rentals: An STR cannot be rented to the same individual, group, or party for more than two consecutive rental contracts in a 6-month period. A single party cannot hold multiple contracts for the same nights.

3. Parking and Traffic:

• Required Parking: Must provide one parking stall per every two bedrooms within the STR, with a minimum of two stalls required. All stalls must be paved (concrete, asphalt, or approved similar surface) and measure 9' x 18'.
• Location: Parking must be located off-street on the same property as the STR and must be outside the front 25-foot setback. No street parking for STR guests is allowed.
• Prohibited Vehicles: Recreational vehicles, trailers, boats, and ATVs associated with the STR must be legally parked on-site and cannot be parked on the street.

4. Property Standards:

• Residential Appearance: The property must maintain its current residential appearance and character; no significant alterations are allowed for the STR use.
• Signage: No signage is approved with the CUP. Any future signage must be approved separately by city staff and is limited to two square feet on the building wall only.
• Safety: The property must comply with all building, fire, health, and safety codes. This includes required smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a fire extinguisher, and compliant egress windows.

5. Compliance and Enforcement:

• Nuisance Ordinances: STRs are subject to the city's nuisance ordinances. Issues like noise, garbage, and pets are strictly regulated.
• Record-Keeping: Owners must maintain rental records available for inspection by Logan City.
• Loss of License: Repeated failure to comply with CUP conditions or city ordinances will result in the revocation of the Conditional Use Permit and the Business License.

Contact Information

For questions and applications, contact the following departments directly:

• Conditional Use Permits (CUPs): Logan City Community Development Department (Planning Division).

  • Address: 252 N 1st W, Logan, UT 84321

• Business Licenses: Logan City Business Licensing Department.

• Note: Direct phone numbers, email addresses, and specific departmental websites are not provided in the source documents.

Links to Source Pages

The source content was provided from the following official documents:

1. Project #25-003 Downtown Blue Cottage Short Term Rental (Staff Report - January 23, 2025): https://cms9files.revize.com/loganut/departments/comdev/PC%20Projects/PC%2025-003%20Downtown%20Blue%20Cottage.pdf
2. Project #24-021 Downtown Blue Cottage Short Term Rental (Staff Report - May 23, 2024): https://cms9files.revize.com/loganut/departments/comdev/PC%20Projects/PC%2024-021%20Downtown%20Blue%20Cottage%20STR.pdf
3. News Article on the Adoption of STR Ordinances (Logan Daily News): https://www.logandaily.com/news/council-finally-adopts-new-short-term-rental-rules/article_3e9cc560-735f-11ee-81bb-53d00fb05d1a.html