Overview

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Riverton, Utah under specific conditions and regulations. Riverton City permits short-term rentals (defined as rentals for periods less than 30 days) in all residential zones, but requires approval through a Conditional Use Permit process and mandates that properties be owner-occupied as the primary dwelling. The city has implemented a moderate regulatory framework designed to balance property rights with neighborhood protection.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Riverton

Step-by-Step Process

1. Verify Property Eligibility

   • Confirm your property is located in a residential zone
   • Ensure you can meet the owner-occupied requirement (property must be your primary dwelling)
   • Verify you can comply with operational limits (150 nights per year maximum, 29-night maximum stay, 8 guests maximum)

2. Obtain Conditional Use Permit

   • Submit application to Riverton City Planning Commission
   • Prepare for public hearing with notice to properties within 300 feet
   • Await Commission decision (they may impose additional conditions)

3. Acquire Business License

   • Once Conditional Use Permit is approved, apply for annual business license
   • Renew business license annually

4. Comply with Operational Requirements

   • Post ownership and emergency contact information
   • Ensure adequate parking compliance
   • Monitor and enforce stay limits and guest caps

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Permits and Licenses

1. Conditional Use Permit

   • Required for all short-term rentals
   • Application available at: www.rivertonutah.gov/planning/applications.php
   • Processed through Riverton City Planning Commission
   • Public hearing required with neighborhood notice

2. Annual Business License

   • Required after Conditional Use Permit approval
   • Must be renewed annually
   • Contact Business Licensing Department for application

Key Regulatory Requirements

1. Owner-Occupancy Requirement

   • Property must be owner's primary dwelling
   • No investment property STRs allowed

2. Operational Limits

   • Maximum 150 rental nights per year
   • Maximum rental period: 29 nights
   • Maximum guests: 8 at any time

3. Property Standards

   • Must meet all safety and zoning requirements
   • Parking requirements must be satisfied
   • Contact information posting requirements

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Riverton)

• Zoning: Allowed in all residential zones with Conditional Use Permit
• Owner-Occupancy: Mandatory - property must be primary residence
• Nightly Limits: Maximum 150 nights per calendar year
• Stay Duration: Maximum 29 consecutive nights
• Guest Capacity: Maximum 8 guests simultaneously
• Permit Type: Conditional Use Permit (approved by Planning Commission)
• Business License: Required annually after permit approval
• Renewal: Conditional Use Permit permanent (unless revoked); Business License annual
• Enforcement: Violations can result in permit revocation

County and State Regulations

Salt Lake County: No specific additional STR regulations identified beyond Riverton city requirements.

Utah State Level: No specific STR licensing requirements identified beyond local municipal regulations.

Regulatory Compliance Details

• Public Hearing Process: Planning Commission reviews applications with neighborhood notice to properties within 300 feet
• Additional Conditions: Planning Commission may impose site-specific conditions
• Enforcement Mechanism: Violations can result in permit revocation and legal action
• Code Reference: Riverton City Code Section 18.190.051

Contact Information

Primary Contact: Riverton City Planning & Zoning Department

• Phone: 801-208-3149
• Email: planning@rivertonutah.gov
• Physical Address: Riverton City Hall, Room 105, 12830 S Redwood Road, Riverton, UT 84065
• Website: www.rivertonutah.gov/planning/index.php

Secondary Contacts

• Business Licensing: www.rivertonutah.gov/business/licensing/index.php
• Building Inspections: www.rivertonutah.gov/building/index.php
• Code Enforcement: www.rivertonutah.gov/enforcement/index.php

Source Links

• Main STR Regulations: www.rivertonutah.gov/planning/faq.php
• Conditional Use Permit Applications: www.rivertonutah.gov/planning/applications.php
• Riverton City Code: www.codepublishing.com/ut/riverton
• Planning Commission Information: www.rivertonutah.gov/government/boards/planning-commission.php
• Business Licensing: www.rivertonutah.gov/business/licensing/index.php

Note: Riverton maintains a moderate regulatory environment for short-term rentals compared to some Utah municipalities. The owner-occupancy requirement and annual night limits distinguish Riverton's approach from more permissive markets. Investors should carefully evaluate whether their investment strategy aligns with these operational constraints before proceeding.