Executive Summary: STR Status in Hurricane, UT

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Hurricane, Utah under specific regulatory conditions. The city operates a licensing system that permits both whole-home vacation rentals and residential hosting facilities, with strict limitations designed to maintain neighborhood character and residential safety. Investors must obtain proper licensing, meet building code requirements, and comply with detailed operational standards including separation distances, occupancy limits, and ongoing compliance obligations.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Hurricane, UT

Pre-Application Requirements

Zone Compliance Verification

• Confirm property is located in a permitted zone under city zoning regulations
• Single-family dwellings are allowed; multifamily zones are prohibited for whole-home vacation rentals
• Property must have been built to meet building and fire codes for transient occupancy
• Valid certificate of occupancy must be issued and current

Ownership Structure Assessment

• Verify ownership entity structure (individual, corporation, partnership, LLC, trust, etc.)
• Confirm no ownership interest in other short-term rentals within Hurricane city limits
• If purchasing an existing STR property, new owner must apply for license transfer within 45 days of purchase

Application Process Overview

City of Hurricane Process

1. Complete short-term vacation rental business license application per Section 3-1-5
2. Submit required documentation (detailed below)
3. Pay applicable fees and await processing
4. Pass required inspections
5. Display required signage and posting materials
6. Obtain business license prior to any rental activity

Timeline Expectations

• Allow 10-14 business days for processing after completed application submission
• Additional time required for building inspections if Health and Safety Check needed
• Waiting list may apply if city has reached maximum license allocation

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Licenses and Permits

Short-Term Vacation Rental Business License

• Required for: All whole-home vacation rentals in Hurricane city limits
• Authority: Business License Officer, Hurricane City
• Validity: Annual renewal required with fire inspection
• Processing: 10-14 business days typical

State Tax Number

• Purpose: Remittance of transient lodging taxes
• Authority: Utah State Tax Commission
• Requirement: Valid state tax number must be obtained and maintained

Certificate of Occupancy

• Requirement: Dwelling must have been issued certificate of occupancy
• Standard: Must meet building and fire codes for transient occupancy
• Inspection: Health and Safety Check may be required by building inspector

Supporting Documentation Requirements

Owner/Property Manager Information

• Complete name, address, and phone number of owner
• Designation of property manager responsible for compliance
• 24-hour contact information for complaint resolution
• Property manager must respond to complaints within one hour

Property Documentation

• Site plan showing parking layout and property boundaries
• Septic permit documentation (if applicable)
• Current photographs of dwelling exterior and interior
• Proof of insurance with landlord endorsement allowing short-term rentals

Compliance Materials

• Fire extinguisher locations documentation
• Fire exit route plan
• Maximum occupancy calculations
• List of applicable vacation rental rules and regulations
• Good Neighbor Brochure (display requirement)

Washington County Requirements (for unincorporated areas)

County STR License

• Required for: Properties outside Hurricane city limits but within Washington County
• Authority: Washington County Community Development Department
• Application Fee: $160.00 for existing dwellings (includes Health and Safety Check)
• Processing: 10-14 business days after completed application

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Hurricane City Requirements

License Allocation Limits

• Formula: Maximum of 3 licenses per 1,000 city residents
• Current Status: 68 whole-home vacation rental licenses issued (as of 2023)
• Waiting List: Applications placed on waiting list when maximum reached
• Annual Recalculation: Population-based allocation recalculated annually

Separation Requirements

• Distance: 300-foot minimum separation between STR properties in single-family zones
• Measurement: Along same street or around corner from front property line corners
• Exceptions: Does not apply to recreation resort zoning or motel-type commercial uses

Ownership Restrictions

• Single-Family Zones: Owner cannot hold another STR license within city limits
• Definition: "Owner" includes direct ownership and ownership in entities owning STR properties
• Transfer: New owner must apply for license transfer within 45 days of property purchase

Operational Standards

Parking Requirements

• Quantity: One off-street space per bedroom
• Location: Must be on same lot as licensed dwelling
• Tandem Parking: Permitted on driveway
• Vehicle Limitation: Occupant vehicles restricted to provided off-street spaces
• Front Yard Restriction: No parking spaces in front of living area unless circular driveway exists

Occupancy Limits

• Standard Maximum: 10 persons at any one time
• Enhanced Occupancy: Greater occupancy may be approved with fire sprinkler or other fire suppression system
• Calculation: Maximum occupancy must be posted and included in regulations signage

Maintenance Standards

• Structure: Properly maintained, painted, kept in good repair
• Landscaping: Grounds and landscaped areas properly maintained and watered
• Residential Appearance: Use cannot change dwelling appearance from residential purposes
• Safety Equipment: Each sleeping room must meet IRC egress codes and be equipped with smoke and CO2 detectors

Noise and Nuisance Prevention

Prohibited Guest Activities

• Creating noises out of character with residential neighborhood
• Disturbing peace through shouting, fighting, loud music, vehicle racing
• Outside recreational activities after 10:00 PM
• Interfering with neighbor privacy or trespassing
• Allowing pets to create noise, roam streets, or trespass
• Engaging in disorderly or illegal conduct including illegal substance use

Pool and Spa Restrictions

• Quiet Hours: No use between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM
• Applicability: All outdoor pools, hot tubs, and spas

Posting and Signage Requirements

Interior Posting (Required)

• Copy of vacation rental business license
• Name, address, and phone number of owner or property manager
• Location of all fire extinguishers
• List of all applicable vacation rental rules
• Maximum occupancy and vehicle limits

Exterior Signage

• Size: Maximum 12 inches by 18 inches
• Content: Name and 24-hour, 365-day telephone number of owner/property manager
• Purpose: Receiving and resolving complaints
• Location: City-approved exterior location
• Exclusivity: Only sign permitted on STR property (except address signs)

Tax and Financial Obligations

Transient Lodging Taxes

• Collection: Owner must collect transient lodging taxes
• Remittance: Must remit taxes on timely basis to appropriate authorities
• State Tax Number: Required for tax collection and remittance

Fee Structure

• Application Fees: Standard business license fees apply
• Inspection Fees: Included in application for existing dwellings ($160.00 for county)
• Renewal Fees: Annual renewal required with updated inspections

Washington County Standards (Unincorporated Areas)

License Definition

• Scope: Property occupied for transient lodging 29 consecutive calendar days or less
• Compensation: For direct or indirect compensation or other consideration
• Validity: Annual renewal requirement

Good Neighbor Compliance

• Display Good Neighbor Brochure in visible area alongside licenses
• Maintain current contact information for owner/property manager
• Comply with building codes and health/safety requirements

Contact Information

Hurricane City Contacts

Business License Officer

• Department: Hurricane City Planning and Zoning
• Application Process: Section 3-1-5 compliance required
• Address: Hurricane City Hall, 147 North 870 West, Hurricane, UT 84737
• Phone: Contact city main number for Business License Officer routing
• Website: cityofhurricane.com/177/Planning-Zoning

Code Enforcement Hotline

• Purpose: Report non-compliant STR properties and guest violations
• Phone: 800-630-6048 (toll-free)
• Available to: Residents within Hurricane city limits
• Response: City officials respond to violation reports

Planning Department

• Director: Stephen Nelson
• Assistant Planner/Code Enforcement: Fred Resch
• Function: STR tracking, license processing, compliance monitoring
• Website: cityofhurricane.com/177/Planning-Zoning

Washington County Contacts

Community Development Department

• Address: 111 East Tabernacle St., St. George, UT 84770
• Phone: (435) 301-7250
• Email: Contact through website
• Website: washco.utah.gov/departments/community-development/short-term-rental-license/
• Services: STR license processing for unincorporated county areas

County Administration

• Address: 111 East Tabernacle St., St. George, UT 84770
• Phone: (435) 301-7000
• Website: washco.utah.gov/departments/commission/contact-us/

Additional Resources

Washington County Support Group

• Purpose: Community discussion and problem-solving for STR-related issues
• Contact: Mark Hudgens (str.watch.now@gmail.com)
• Focus: Stress-related support and policy advocacy

Enforcement and Penalties

Hurricane City Enforcement

Unlicensed Operation

• Violation: Operating STR without business license
• Penalty: Infraction punishable by fine up to $750.00 per violation
• Additional Consequence: Removal from waiting list if applicable
• New Application Required: Must submit new application after violation

License Violations

• Scope: Operating STR in violation of license terms and regulations
• Penalty: Infraction punishable by fine up to $750.00 per violation
• Daily Violations: Each day of violation constitutes separate offense
• License Revocation: Three or more violations within 12 months may result in revocation

Guest Violations

• Scope: Guest violations of local ordinances or state laws
• Consequences: Arrest, citation, or criminal process in accordance with applicable statutes
• Owner Responsibility: Owner liable for compliance with all regulations

Compliance Monitoring

• Technology: City uses software to track STR listings on Airbnb, Vrbo, and similar platforms
• Inspection Authority: City may perform additional inspections with 24-hour notice
• Response Requirement: Owner/property manager must respond to complaints within one hour

Source Documentation

Primary Regulatory Sources

1. Hurricane City Short-Term Rentals Ordinance (Sec. 3-10-11)

   • Document: 3-10-11 Short-Term Rentals Ordinance
   • Date: Created June 28, 2022 (Supp. 1, Update 4)
   • Content: Comprehensive regulatory framework for STR operations
   • Authority: Hurricane Municipal Code
   • Link: cityofhurricane.com/DocumentCenter/View/1153/3-10-11-Short-Term-Rentals-Ordinance

2. Washington County STR License Information

   • Authority: Washington County Community Development Department
   • Website: washco.utah.gov/departments/community-development/short-term-rental-license/
   • Content: County-level licensing procedures and requirements

News and Implementation Sources

3. Hurricane STR Hotline and Compliance Reporting
   • Source: St. George News article by Haven Scott
   • Date: April 24, 2023
   • Content: City enforcement efforts, hotline establishment, compliance statistics
   • Link: stgeorgeutah.com/news/government-news/hurricane-hotline-open-for-residents-to-report-short-term-vacation-rental-issues/article_211c0d39-1da5-57f0-85fd-b349469305ac.html

Supporting Documentation References

• Washington County Short-Term Rental Application Form: comdev-short-term-rental-application.pdf
• Good Neighbor Brochure: comdev-good-neighbor-brochure.pdf
• Owner Occupied Primary Residential Exemption: washco.utah.gov/departments/assessor/residential-exemption/

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This guide is based on current regulations as of the provided source materials. Investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions, as regulations may be updated by city or county governing bodies.