Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Brian Head, Utah. Brian Head Town requires ALL short-term/nightly rentals (rentals for fewer than 30 consecutive days) to be licensed with the Town. Nightly rentals are regulated under Brian Head Town Code, Title 3, Chapter 2A. Operating without a valid business license violates Town Code 3-2A-1 and constitutes a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000 plus tripled application fees ($450).

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Brian Head

Step-by-Step Licensing Process

Step 1: Application Submission

• Complete the Nightly Rental Business License Application
• Submit required documents (see Required Documents section below)
• Pay associated fees

Step 2: Fire Inspection

• Schedule and complete fire inspection before license issuance
• Address all fire safety requirements
• Pay $30 inspection fee per unit (re-inspection fee: additional $30)

Step 3: Review and Processing

• Town staff reviews submitted application and inspection results
• Application processed for business license approval

Step 4: Annual Renewal

• All licenses expire September 30th annually
• Renewal season begins October 1st
• Renewal notices sent in September

Dedicated Responsible Party Requirement

You must designate a local contact (cleaning company, property manager, or yourself) who can respond quickly to complaints and violations.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Business License Requirements

• Nightly Rental Business License Application (specific to nightly rentals)
• Sales Tax ID Number (specific to Brian Head for sales and transient room taxes collection)
• Owner Affidavit (must be signed by property owner, even if using management company)

Insurance Requirements

• Proof of Insurance (declaration page showing property address and owner)
• Homeowner Association insurance policies are NOT sufficient
• Individual property insurance is required

Property Information Required

• Physical address of rental property
• Condo complex and unit number (for condos)
• Number of bedrooms
• Square footage (calculation basis for occupancy limits)
• Number of on-site parking spaces

Safety and Compliance Requirements

• Fire Inspection Certificate ($30 initial, biennial renewals required)
• Good Neighbor Policy posting (must be visible at main entryway)
• Overnight Parking Map posting (must be visible at main entryway)
• Maximum occupancy limits posted near main entryway
• Parking spaces must be posted for guests

Tax and Fee Documentation

• Sales Tax Certificate (from State Tax Commission)
• Enhanced Service Business License Fee quarterly reports
• Transient room tax compliance documentation

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning and Occupancy

• Properties must comply with residential zoning requirements
• Maximum Occupancy Calculation: Based on Fire Code - one (1) person per 200 square feet of living space
• Garage space is NOT included in square footage calculations
• Square footage verification through County property records

Parking Regulations

• Critical Winter Parking Restriction: No parking on ANY Town roads/streets between November 1st through April 30th
• Vehicles parked on Town roads during winter months may be cited and/or towed
• All parking must be on the property year-round
• Guests must be informed of parking restrictions and overflow locations
• Overnight parking map provided by Town identifies designated overflow areas

Fire Safety Requirements

• All new rental units require fire inspection
• Re-inspection required if initial inspection fails
• Biennial fire inspections required after initial approval
• Compliance with current Town Fire Marshal restrictions
• Extinguishing fireplace ashes before disposal required

Guest Conduct Guidelines (Good Neighbor Policy)

• 24-hour contact information must be posted in rental unit
• Quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM
• Respect for neighbors' property rights
• Trash disposal in designated dumpsters only
• Pet restrictions and cleanup requirements
• Emergency contact: 911
• Non-emergency police: (435) 677-2043

Tax Collection and Remittance

State and Local Taxes Collected by Platforms (Airbnb, VRBO):

• 1.6% Resort Community Tax
• 1% Municipal Transient Room Tax
• 1.4% combination tax (1% local option + 0.30% municipal highway + 0.10% PAR)

Enhanced Service Business License Fee (1.5%):

• NOT collected by advertising platforms
• Owner's direct responsibility to collect and remit quarterly
• Based on gross taxable sales
• Due 30 days after quarter end
• Even zero-sales require quarterly reporting
• License may be suspended/revoked for non-compliance

Cleaning Company Requirements

• All cleaning companies operating in Brian Head must hold valid business licenses
• Unlicensed cleaning companies face citation
• Property owners should verify their cleaning company is properly licensed

Contact Information for Local Authority

Brian Head Town Hall

Physical Address: 56 North Hwy 143
Brian Head, UT 84719

Mailing Address: PO Box 190068
Brian Head, UT 84719

Phone: 435-677-2029

Email - Town Clerk: nleigh@bhtown.utah.gov
Email - Applications: ahunter@bhtown.utah.gov

State Tax Commission

Phone: (801) 297-2200 or (800) 662-4335
Website: tax.utah.gov/

Emergency Contacts

Emergency Services: 911
Non-Emergency Police: (435) 677-2043

Source Pages

• Operating a Nightly Rental in Brian Head
• Cabin Rental Policy
• Step-by-step STR Procedures (PDF)
• Good Neighbor Policy and Overnight Parking Map (PDF)
• Town Code Regulating Nightly Rentals (PDF)

Investment Considerations

Brian Head presents a robust short-term rental market with well-defined regulatory framework. The town actively supports the STR industry while maintaining strict safety and neighborhood protection standards. Key investment considerations include:

• High Activity Market: 858 active listings with median revenue of $24,451 annually
• Seasonal Considerations: Winter sports market drives significant demand, but strict parking regulations require adequate on-site parking
• Compliance Costs: Initial licensing, fire inspections, and ongoing tax remittance create operational overhead
• Winter Operations: Properties must maintain year-round parking accessibility, critical for compliance
• Management Requirements: Local contact designation suggests benefit from professional management or local partnerships

The regulatory environment is transparent and manageable for professional operators who plan for compliance costs and seasonal operational requirements.