American Fork, Utah Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in American Fork, UT?

Short-term rentals are explicitly prohibited in American Fork, Utah. This is established in American Fork City Code Section 17.5.134 regarding accessory apartments, which states: "Short term rental prohibited. No portion or room of a main dwelling or accessory apartment shall be rented more than one time in any thirty-day period."

Critical Note: There appears to be a regulatory inconsistency, as American Fork's 2023-2024 fee schedule includes a "Short-Term Rental Business License" fee of $80.00. Investors should clarify this discrepancy with city authorities before proceeding with any STR investment.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in American Fork?

American Fork hosts earn a median $28,709/year with $138 ADR and 75% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $42,266+ per year.

See the full American Fork market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Given the explicit prohibition in American Fork's municipal code, starting a traditional STR business is not viable within city limits. However, investors should consider the following alternatives:

Verify Current Regulations: Contact the American Fork Planning Department to confirm whether the prohibition has been updated or if specific zoning districts allow STRs.
Explore Adjacent Areas: Consider properties in unincorporated Utah County or neighboring cities with more favorable STR regulations.
Alternative Rental Strategies: Consider converting properties to long-term rentals or mid-term rentals (31+ days) which are not subject to the same prohibitions.
Accessory Apartment Conversion: If you own a single-family home, converting to a long-term accessory apartment may be permitted under American Fork's accessory apartment regulations.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Current American Fork Requirements

For Accessory Apartments (Long-term rentals only):

Compliance with American Fork City Code Section 17.5.134
Owner-occupied requirement (owner must live in either main dwelling or accessory apartment)
Building permits for construction/remodeling
Zoning compliance verification
Parking requirements (2 additional off-street spaces beyond the main dwelling's requirement)

Business Licensing:

Annual Business License Processing Fee: $40.00 (if operating any business from the property)
Initial Landlord Permit Fee: $50.00
Annual Landlord Permit Renewal: $25.00

Safety and Building Requirements:

Compliance with building codes and ordinance requirements
Separate utility meters (water, gas, electricity) in property owner's name
Address requirements (principal dwelling as Unit A, accessory apartment as Unit B)
Interior access requirement between main living area and accessory apartment
Egress windows compliance per Utah State Code Section 10-9a-511.5

Specific Regulations for American Fork, Utah County, and State

American Fork City Regulations

Zoning and Use Restrictions:

Accessory apartments permitted only in single-family residential zones
Maximum of one accessory apartment per single-family home
No accessory apartments allowed in multi-family dwelling units
Accessory apartments not calculated as additional density

Occupancy Limitations:

One person living alone; OR
Two or more persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption, and not more than two unrelated persons; OR
Up to four unrelated individuals

Physical Requirements:

Dedicated entrance on side, rear, or below-grade front of home
Separate living areas for eating, sleeping, and sanitation
Outside appearance must maintain single-family home characteristics
Interior access between main dwelling and accessory apartment

Parking Requirements:

Two additional off-street parking spaces required
No parking spaces in front or side yards except within approved driveway
Tandem parking within driveway permitted

Utah County Regulations

Utah County does not impose specific STR regulations, leaving them to individual municipalities. Properties outside city limits (unincorporated areas) may be subject to different rules and enforcement by the county.

State of Utah Regulations

Utah State Code Requirements:

Egress windows compliance per Section 10-9a-511.5
Water efficiency standards (Chapter 17.21 of American Fork Municipal Code)
Building code compliance for construction and remodeling
GRAMA (Government Records Access and Management Act) requirements for public records

Contact Information

Primary Contacts

American Fork City Hall

Address: 31 North Church Street, American Fork, UT 84003
Phone: (801) 763-3000
Website: www.americanfork.gov

Planning Department

Director: Patrick O'Brien
Phone: (801) 763-3000

Building Department

Residential Building Division fees and inspections
Phone: (801) 763-3000

Business Licensing

Processing Fee: $40.00
Phone: (801) 763-3000

Fire Marshal

Fire inspections associated with business licenses
Phone: (801) 763-3000

State-Level Resources

Utah State Code: For state-level regulations affecting building and safety standards

Central Utah Water Conservancy District: Provides water conservation recommendations referenced in American Fork's water efficiency standards

Links to Source Pages

American Fork Municipal Code and Documents

American Fork Code of Ordinances - Accessory Apartments (Section 17.5.134)
- www.americanfork.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10077/175134-Accessory-Apartments
American Fork City Council Meeting Minutes - June 13, 2023
- www.utah.gov/pmn/files/989751.pdf
2023-2024 General Fee Schedule
- Available through American Fork City Hall or website

Regional Resources

TruStay Property Management - Utah County STR Overview
- www.trustaypm.com/post/short-term-rental-regulations-in-utah-county-what-you-need-to-know

Important Investment Considerations

Regulatory Risk: The explicit prohibition in American Fork's municipal code represents significant regulatory risk for STR investors. The presence of a STR business license fee creates confusion that requires immediate clarification with city authorities.

Market Alternatives: Consider adjacent markets such as unincorporated Utah County or neighboring cities that may have more favorable STR regulations.

Legal Compliance: Any attempt to operate a STR in violation of Section 17.5.134 could result in enforcement action, fines, and forced shutdown of operations.

Future Regulatory Changes: Monitor city council meetings and planning commission agendas for potential regulatory updates that may affect STR operations.

This guide reflects current regulations as of the provided source documents. Investors should verify current requirements with city authorities before making investment decisions.

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Ask the AI Advisor about American Fork

American Fork is a city of roughly 33,000 residents tucked into the north end of Utah Valley in Utah County, Utah, where the Wasatch Front begins to give way to the steep canyon country of the Wasatch Range. It has a quiet, family-oriented suburban character, ringed by residential neighborhoods and framed by mountains to the east and a broad valley floor to the west. The city is best known as a gateway to American Fork Canyon and the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, and it sits within easy driving distance of the Provo-Orem metro area, roughly 30 miles south of Salt Lake City.

Just a few minutes east of town, American Fork Canyon is a year-round recreational playground carved into the Wasatch Mountains, drawing hikers, mountain bikers, campers, and winter sports enthusiasts. The scenic byway climbs through the canyon and over the alpine terrain toward Sundance and Provo Canyon, with pull-offs, trailheads, and picnic areas scattered along the route. A short drive up the canyon leads to some of the most popular trailheads in northern Utah, including those serving the Mount Timpanogos wilderness.

A marquee attraction accessed via this corridor is Timpanogos Cave National Monument, a striking cave system perched high on the south side of Mount Timpanogos. Guided tours lead visitors through three connecting caverns known for their colorful helictite formations and historic cave tours have been a regional tradition for decades. The monument's visitor center and trailhead are roughly a 20 to 30 minute drive from central American Fork, depending on canyon traffic.

To the west, Utah Lake forms the broad western edge of the valley and offers a contrasting low-elevation experience with boating, fishing, sailing, and shoreline parks. The lake and its adjacent wetland reserves are a favorite stop for birders and for families looking for a relaxed afternoon on the water, and several public access points lie within a short drive of American Fork's western neighborhoods.

American Fork's central location makes it a compelling base for short-term rentals. Travelers who stay here can reach Salt Lake City and Salt Lake International Airport in roughly 45 minutes, the ski resorts and trailheads of the Wasatch within a similar window, the universities and dining scene of Provo in about 15 minutes, and the natural escapes of American Fork Canyon, Timpanogos Cave, and Utah Lake in well under a half hour. The combination of easy access, year-round outdoor recreation, and a comfortable small-city atmosphere gives the area a steady flow of visitors passing through on their way to the mountains, the lake, or the wider Wasatch Front.