Executive overview: Short-term rentals (rental periods under 30 days) are allowed in Draper, Utah, in single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and guest houses, and you may rent a room within your home. However, internal Accessory Dwelling Units (basement apartments) are not permitted for short-term rentals; detached ADUs may only be rented for 30 days or more. There are no city-specific short-term rental licenses or permits required for single-unit STRs; long-term rentals (30+ days) may trigger different requirements depending on the structure and use (e.g., ADU permits). The city has discussed regulation since 2022 but has not adopted any additional STR-specific rules as of the sources reviewed.

1) Are short-term rentals allowed in Draper, UT? (Explicit answer)

Yes. Draper allows short-term rentals (Airbnb/Vrbo-style rentals) in:

• Condos and townhouses
• Single-family houses (including renting the entire house or a room)

No STR-specific city license or permit is required for single-unit STRs. A city business license is only required if four or more single-family homes are rented in Draper; short-term rentals under 30 days do not require a business license.

Exceptions and limits:

• Internal ADUs (I‑ADUs, e.g., basement apartments) may not be used as short-term rentals.
• Detached ADUs (D‑ADUs) are allowed, but must be rented for at least 30 consecutive days.
• Multi-family units (duplexes and above) always require a city business license.

Key citations:

• City’s ADU page: “Draper City does not currently have any regulations specific to short-term rentals. Homeowners may rent an entire house, or a room within the home. ADUs must be rented for terms of 30 days or longer.”
• City’s Business Licensing FAQ: “A business license is only required if four (4) or more single-family homes are rented out in Draper. Short term rentals (rented for less than thirty [30] days) do not require a business license. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) do not require a business license, but a permit is required… Multi-family dwelling units (duplexes and above) always require a business license.”
• South Jordan (contextual city example): “Internal ADU’s such as basement apartments are not allowed to be used as short-term rentals.”

2) How to start a short-term rental business in Draper

1. Assess property eligibility and structure type

• Confirm zoning/land use with city maps and city code. STRs are permissible residential uses in single-family, condo, and townhome properties per city guidance.
• Internal ADUs are prohibited for STR use; detached ADUs must be rented 30+ days.
• Multi-family units require a business license.

2. Site feasibility and neighbor impacts

• Confirm parking: ADUs require at least one additional non-tandem on-site parking space; internal ADUs also require one extra space. Single-family homes and condos/townhomes do not have explicit parking minimums for STR use in the provided sources, but ensure adequate on-street and on-site parking to avoid complaints.
• Confirm owner-occupancy if considering a detached ADU; D‑ADUs require the primary dwelling to be owner-occupied.
• Verify utility meter configuration: ADUs (both I‑ADU and D‑ADU) may not have separate utility meters.

3. Decide whether to list a room vs. the entire home

• Renting a room in the primary residence is allowed without an ADU permit.
• Renting the entire single-family home is allowed without ADU or business licensing if under 30 days and not part of a portfolio of 4+ homes.

4. Permits and approvals

• ADU permits (if applicable):
  • Detached ADUs: zoning and dimensional standards apply; minimum 30-day rental term; owner-occupied requirement; architectural matching; height limit; size limit; shared utilities; parking requirement.
  • Internal ADUs: only allowed 30+ day rentals and must maintain external single-family appearance; separate utility meters prohibited; parking requirement; garage replacement if enclosed.
• Building and safety:
  • All construction and significant interior alterations require a building permit (e.g., basement finishes, adding a kitchen).
• Business licensing:
  • Single-unit STRs (under 30 days) do not need a city business license.
  • Portfolio operation (4+ single-family homes) requires a city business license.
  • Multi-family units always require a business license.
  • Home occupations are generally for in-home businesses that are not STRs.

5. Taxes and recordkeeping

• Collect and remit applicable transient room and sales taxes per state/local rules (beyond the scope of provided sources; consult a tax professional and the Utah State Tax Commission).
• Keep records of bookings, guests, and payments; implement good neighbor policies (quiet hours, maximum occupancy, parties/property damage prevention) to reduce complaints and code enforcement risk.

6. Launch and operate

• Choose hosting platforms and set clear house rules.
• Maintain safety compliance (smoke/CO detectors, emergency info); while not explicitly detailed in the provided sources, these are standard best practices.
• Monitor city code updates. In 2022, Draper indicated intent to regulate STRs after an incident; as of the provided sources, no specific STR regulations have been adopted, but this may change.

3) Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

Permits (as applicable)

• Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit (required for ADUs)
  • Separate online application via the Planning Services Portal
  • Required before renting/leasing an ADU
• Building permits
  • Required for construction (remodels, finishes, new kitchens, structural changes)
• Business license
  • Not required for single-unit STRs under 30 days
  • Required if renting 4+ single-family homes
  • Required for multi-family units (duplexes and above)
  • ADUs do not require a business license, but a permit is required with Planning

Key guidelines affecting STR operations

• ADU rental term minimum: 30 consecutive days or more (I‑ADU and D‑ADU)
• Owner-occupancy: required for D‑ADUs
• Parking for ADUs: at least one additional non-tandem on-site parking space; if an interior garage is enclosed to create the I‑ADU, another garage must be provided
• Utilities: ADUs may not have separate utility meters
• External appearance: I‑ADUs must not change the exterior to appear anything other than a single-family home
• Zoning/lot eligibility: D‑ADUs allowed on lots at least 12,000 sq. ft.; I‑ADUs generally allowed on lots >6,000 sq. ft. that front a public street meeting minimum width; some properties are prohibited via interactive map

Citations:

• ADU permits, standards, and rental term rules
• Building permit requirement for construction-related work
• Business licensing thresholds and exclusions

4) Specific regulations (Draper City, Salt Lake County, Utah State)

Draper City (primary local authority)

• Allowed STRs: Yes, in single-family houses, condos, townhouses; renting a room is allowed.
• Prohibited STR use: Internal ADUs (I‑ADUs) may not be used as STRs.
• ADUs:
  • D‑ADUs: 30+ day minimum rent; owner-occupied primary dwelling; one ADU per property; 50% of primary home square footage limit; match primary dwelling materials/color/design; max 35 ft height; shared utilities only; 1 extra non-tandem parking space required.
  • I‑ADUs: 30+ day minimum rent; owner-occupied primary dwelling; no separate utilities; maintain single-family exterior; 1 extra non-tandem parking; garage replacement if garage converted; lot/frontage constraints apply; interactive map indicates prohibited locations.
• Business licensing:
  • Single-unit STRs under 30 days: no business license required.
  • Renting 4+ single-family homes: business license required.
  • Multi-family units: always require a business license.
  • ADUs: no business license, but ADU permit required.
• Municipal code: Draper City Code and Enforcement portal is available for reference (zoning, updates).

Salt Lake County (broader context)

• County-level STR-specific rules were not included in the provided sources. As of these sources, the operational requirements cited are primarily city-level. Monitor county-level updates for any tax or health/safety overlays.

Utah State

• No STR-specific state statute is detailed in the provided sources. City-level rules and local licensing dominate. State transient room and sales tax obligations may apply; consult the Utah State Tax Commission and local guidance for tax collection/remittance.

Regulatory posture (2022–2025)

• The city has discussed potential STR regulation since 2022 (press coverage), but no new STR-specific measures are identified in the provided city sources. Continue to monitor City Code and public notices for changes.

5) Contact information (Draper City)

Primary contacts

• Planning and Development (ADU permits, zoning compliance)
  • Email: planning@draperutah.gov
  • Phone: (801) 576-6399
  • Address: 1020 E. Pioneer Rd., Draper, UT 84020
  • Online portal: Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit Application
• Business Licensing Division (licenses for multi-family and portfolios; licensing questions)
  • Email: businesslicensing@draperutah.gov
  • Phone: (801) 576-6530
  • Address: 1020 E. Pioneer Rd., Draper, UT 84020
• Building Office (building permits and inspections)
  • Email: building@draperutah.gov
  • Phone: (801) 576-6399
  • Address: 1020 E. Pioneer Rd., Draper, UT 84020
• General city information
  • Phone: (801) 576-6500
  • Email: info@draperutah.gov

For the most up-to-date guidance, use the city’s Planning Services Portal and Business Licensing portal (links below).

6) Links to source pages (official and news)

Draper City: Accessory Dwelling Units (Permits and Standards)

• www.draperutah.gov/business-development/planning-and-development/accessory-dwelling-units-permits/

Draper City: Business Licensing (licensing rules and exclusions)

• www.draperutah.gov/business-development/business-licensing/

Draper City: Online Services Portal (Business Licensing, permits)

• draper.onlama.com/

Draper City: City Code and Enforcement

• codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/draperut/latest/overview

Draper City: Interactive Zoning Map

• experience.arcgis.com/experience/5a4dc06fd17e4d4ea7a64028dafef1d7/

Draper City: Interactive Map – I‑ADU Eligibility

• draper.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=59e475601dd84e8db7a4aa4ccb8c7f27

Utah Legislature – Title 17, Chapter 50 (zoning enabling statute)

• le.utah.gov/xcode/Title17/Chapter50/17-50-S338.html?v=C17-50-S338_2017050920170509

South Jordan City: STR and ADU FAQs (contextual reference)

• www.sjc.utah.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=191

Utah Public Radio: 2022 article on potential STR regulation in Draper

• www.upr.org/utah-news/2022-06-02/draper-to-potentially-regulate-short-term-airbnb-rentals-after-double-fatal-shooting

7) Compliance checklist for Draper STR investors

• Confirm zoning and eligibility for your property type (single-family, condo, townhouse).
• Confirm no I‑ADU is present or contemplated for STR use; if an ADU exists, ensure it meets ADU standards and only rent for 30+ days.
• For ADUs: secure ADU permit; verify owner-occupancy, parking, utility sharing, size/height/design compatibility.
• For any construction or interior changes: obtain building permits and pass inspections.
• If you will operate 4+ single-family homes or own a multi-family building: obtain a business license before renting.
• Implement neighbor-friendly policies, parking plans, and safety measures.
• Monitor city code updates and public notices for new STR regulations.

This guide is based exclusively on the provided city and state sources. If you plan a portfolio operation or a multi-family STR, consult the Business Licensing Division and consider legal/tax advice for Utah state tax obligations.