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

Yes, short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Lehi, UT but operate under strict regulations. Lehi mandates STRs be owner-occupied primary residences with limited guest capacity, parking, and distance requirements from schools. A pending 2025 ordinance update may tighten enforcement on marketplace facilitators (e.g., VRBO, Airbnb), but current rules focus on owner-compliance.

1. How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Lehi

1. Verify Eligibility: Confirm your property is owner-occupied and your primary residence.
2. Prepare Documentation:
   • Site plan, aerial image, parking plan
   • Building permit/county record of completion
   • State/federal tax returns (showing property as primary residence)
   • Government-issued ID with matching address
3. Submit Application:
   • Create an account via Lehi’s Planning Portal
   • Pay $50 application fee
   • Include narrative: guest count, contact info (1-hour response), quiet hours, nuisance mitigation
4. Obtain Business License: Required annually after STR permit approval.
5. Compliance: Adhere to all zoning, safety, and noise ordinances.

2. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses & Guidelines

| Requirement | Details | |-------------|---------| | STR Application | Section 12.250 Lehi City Development Code (Application PDF) | | Business License | Issued post-STR approval; renew annually | | Supporting Materials | - Aerial image/scale drawing<br>- Parking plan (1 stall/bedroom suggested)<br>- Building permit/county record<br>- Tax returns (primary residence proof)<br>- Government ID<br>- Narrative (guest limits, contact, quiet hours) | | Zoning Compliance | Chapter 12.240 Development Code (PDF) |

3. Specific Regulations for STRs in Lehi

City-Level (Lehi City Code Chapter 12.240):

• Owner-Occupancy: Property must be owner’s primary residence for the majority of the year.
• School Buffer: STRs prohibited within 600 feet of elementary, middle, or junior high schools.
• Occupancy Limit: Maximum 10 guests (or parking capacity limit).
• Parking: Off-street parking required (1 space/bedroom suggested).
• Point of Contact: Designated person must respond to issues within 1 hour when rented.
• Quiet Hours: Must comply with 10:00 PM–6:00 AM noise restrictions; set neighborhood-appropriate hours.
• Business License: Mandatory annual renewal.
• Inspections: Zoning Administrator may inspect premises for compliance.

County/State Context:

• Utah County: No county-wide STR regulations; rules vary by municipality.
• State of Utah: No specific STR legislation; governed by local zoning codes.

Pending Updates (2025):

• Draft ordinance delayed for legal review to address:
  • Marketplace facilitators (third-party platforms like VRBO).
  • Clear intent requirements to avoid criminalizing compliant hosts.
    Source: Citizen Portal report.

4. Key Restrictions Summary

| Regulation | Requirement | |------------|-------------| | Owner-Occupancy | Mandatory; property must be primary residence | | School Distance | >600 feet from schools | | Guest Limit | ≤10 guests or parking capacity | | Parking | Off-street; 1 space/bedroom | | Quiet Hours | 10:00 PM–6:00 AM minimum | | Business License | Annual renewal |

5. Contact Information

• Lehi City Planning Department
  • Website: Planning Applications Portal
  • Phone: (385) 201-1169
  • Email: Not provided in sources; use portal or call.

6. Source Links

• STR Application Form
• Chapter 12 Development Standards (incl. STR Section)
• Citizen Portal: 2025 Ordinance Delay
• TruStay Blog: Utah County STR Overview

Critical Note: Pending 2025 ordinance changes may alter requirements, especially for third-party facilitators. Verify current rules with the Planning Department before operating.