Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Garden City, UT?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Garden City, Utah, but only with proper licensing and strict compliance with municipal regulations.

The Town of Garden City permits short-term rentals (defined as rentals of dwelling units for periods of fewer than 30 consecutive days) through a comprehensive licensing program. However, the city has implemented significant regulations and requirements to ensure quality standards and neighborhood compatibility. Garden City operates on a one license per dwelling unit basis, with applications only accepted during specific periods each year.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Garden City

Step 1: Confirm Zoning and HOA Compliance

Before proceeding with any STR investment in Garden City, investors must verify that:

• The property is located within Garden City limits and is zoned for short-term rentals
• The property's subdivision or development allows short-term rentals (not all subdivisions permit STRs)
• Any applicable Homeowners Association (HOA) approval is obtained prior to application

Step 2: Application Timing and Process

Critical Timing Requirement: New short-term rental license applications are only accepted from January 1st through April 30th of each year. This narrow application window means investors must plan their licensing timeline carefully.

The application process involves:

1. Completing the official Garden City Short-Term Rental Application
2. Submitting all required documentation
3. Passing both building and fire inspections
4. Paying applicable fees
5. Receiving approval from the Garden City Town Council

Step 3: Set Up Tax Registration

Investors must register for:

• Utah State Tax Commission account for sales tax collection
• Rich County Transient Room Tax collection
• All tax accounts must be in the name of the owner or property management company

Step 4: Designate Emergency Contact

Each STR must have a designated emergency contact who:

• Lives within 15 minutes of the property
• Is available 24/7
• Can respond to emergencies and compliance issues

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Licensing Requirements

Short-Term Rental License Application must include:

• Completed application signed by the property owner
• Proof of ownership for each unit
• Site plan drawn to scale including parking areas with each space mapped
• Proof of valid insurance for each unit being licensed
• Floor plan drawn to scale with dimensions
• Zone designation and street address for each unit
• If no direct vehicular access: Temporary Access Easement (signed and notarized) from property owners whose land vehicles must cross to access the STR property
• Copies of current Town and State Sales Tax collection and accounting numbers
• Emergency contact information (name, address, 24-hour contact phone number)
• Required Inspections: Building Inspector and Fire Chief inspections
• Signed acknowledgment that applicant has read all Town STR regulations
• Certification of accuracy and compliance agreement

Financial Requirements

License Fees:

• Individual ownership: $1,200.00
• With property management company: $960.00
• Additional application fees may apply per unit

Tax Obligations:

• Utah State Sales Tax (approximately 4.85%)
• Rich County Transient Room Tax
• Resort taxes as applicable
• Total effective tax rate: 11-15% depending on location

Operational Compliance Requirements

Mandatory Disclosures:

• STR Registration Number must be posted in every online advertisement
• Registration Number must be displayed in a conspicuous place within the rental unit at all times
• Property must maintain current licensing documentation

On-Property Requirements:

• Maximum occupancy as specified in license
• Off-street parking compliance
• 24-hour contact information posted within unit
• Property maintenance standards consistent with neighboring properties
• Trash collection with specific protocols (no trash at curb exceeding 24 hours)

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

Garden City Municipal Code (Section 8-600 Series)

Occupancy and Use Restrictions:

• No occupancy beyond licensed maximum
• No outdoor sleeping exceeding permitted occupancy
• No unauthorized commercial activities
• No food preparation on-site for non-occupants/guests
• Parking must comply with Section 8-607 of Garden City Municipal Code

Management Standards:

• Structural maintenance to preserve code compliance
• Routine upkeep consistent with neighboring properties
• Trash management protocols including animal-proof containers and collapsed boxes
• Snow removal parking rules compliance

Prohibited Activities:

• Exceeding permitted occupancy limits
• Non-compliant parking arrangements
• Commercial activities without authorization
• Food service to non-guests

Rich County Regulations

Transient Room Tax: Garden City falls under Rich County's transient room tax requirements. All STR operators must collect and remit this tax in addition to state sales tax and any resort taxes.

Utah State Requirements

State Tax Registration: All STR operators must:

• Register with the Utah State Tax Commission
• Collect and remit state sales tax on all transactions
• Comply with transient room tax requirements
• Maintain proper sales tax documentation

No Statewide STR License: Unlike some states, Utah does not have a unified short-term rental license. All licensing and operational requirements are determined at the municipal level.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Administrative Contacts

Town of Garden City Main Office:

• Address: 69 N. Paradise Parkway, Bldg B, P.O. Box 207, Garden City, UT 84028
• Phone: (435) 946-2901
• Email: office@gardencityutah.gov
• Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Directions: Available via Google Maps
• Website: www.gardencityutah.gov

Building Department:

• Contact: Chase Kurek, Building Official
• Phone: (435) 757-6223
• Email: buildingofficial@gardencityutah.gov
• Function: Building inspections and compliance verification

Fire District:

• Contact: Mike Wahlberg
• Phone: (435) 881-6313
• Email: GardenCityFireDistrict@gmail.com
• Function: Fire safety inspections and compliance

Application and Support Contacts

STR Application Support:

• Phone: (435) 946-2901
• Email: office@gardencityutah.gov
• Technical Support: GovOS platform support available at blt.str.support@govos.com or (888) 751-1911

Emergency Services:

• After-Hours Water/Public Works Emergency: (435) 730-8117
• Note: Public Works cannot turn on meters after 3:00 PM on weekdays, weekends, or holidays

Source Links and References

Official Government Sources

Primary City Resources:

• Garden City Short-Term Rentals Page: www.gardencityutah.gov/short-term-rentals
• STR Licensing Portal FAQ: gardencity.munirevs.com/faq/
• Garden City Municipal Code: Available through city website
• STR Application Form: media.rainpos.com/709/short_term_rental_appb_20130716140021.pdf

Regulatory Documents:

• Garden City Ordinances (2024): static1.squarespace.com/static/5c6c7a1d65019f0dbe243939/t/67dc91cc05ba745539b67cf1/1742508497854/garden-city-ordinances-2024-8-28.pdf#page=71

Supporting Services:

• Garden City Fire District: gardencityfire.us/
• Garden City Building Department Forms: www.gardencityutah.gov/forms

State and County Resources

Utah State Tax Commission:

• Transient Room Tax Information: tax.utah.gov/sales/transientroom
• Sales Tax Registration: Available through Utah State Tax Commission

Additional Utah STR Context:

• Comprehensive Utah STR Overview: hometeamluxuryrentals.com/blog/short-term-rental-regulations-in-utah

Investment Considerations for Garden City STRs

Market Strengths:

• Bear Lake location provides year-round tourism demand
• Well-defined regulatory framework provides certainty for compliant operators
• Strong recreational amenities attract diverse guest demographics

Key Compliance Risks:

• Narrow application window (January-April) requires careful planning
• One-license-per-property limitation restricts portfolio scaling
• HOA restrictions may limit property eligibility even within city limits
• Strict maintenance and management standards require ongoing operational attention

Financial Planning Notes:

• Higher licensing fees compared to many Utah jurisdictions
• Additional costs for required inspections and permit renewals
• Tax obligations include multiple layers (state, county, resort taxes)

This guide provides the essential framework for STR investment in Garden City, Utah. Success in this market requires meticulous attention to compliance requirements and careful timing of licensing applications.