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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Logan, Utah, but with significant restrictions and requirements. STRs are defined as temporary lodging accommodations in residential dwellings for rental periods of less than 30 continuous days. The city has implemented a comprehensive regulatory framework that allows STRs in both commercial zones (as permitted uses) and residential zones (as conditionally permitted uses), but with strict limitations on density, proximity, and operational requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Logan, UT

Starting an STR business in Logan requires navigating a multi-step regulatory process that typically takes 8-10 weeks to complete. The process involves obtaining multiple approvals before you can legally operate.

Step 1: Zoning Assessment and Conditional Use Permit (CUP)

All proposed STRs in residential zones require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) before any other applications will be accepted. The CUP process involves:

1. Pre-Application Consultation: Contact the Planning Division to discuss your property's suitability for STR use
2. Application Submission: Complete the CUP application with required documentation
3. Planning Commission Review: The Planning Commission reviews applications for compliance with zoning requirements, proximity restrictions, and site-specific requirements
4. Approval Timeline: Approximately 6 weeks from submission to decision

Commercial Zones: STRs are permitted uses in all commercial zones except Commercial Services, Industrial Park, and Airport zones. No CUP is required in these zones.

Step 2: Building Compliance and Inspection

Before licensing, properties must meet building safety standards:

1. Building Inspection: Schedule and pass a building inspection covering:

   • Egress windows in all bedrooms (2021 IRC R310 compliance)
   • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
   • Fire extinguisher installation (2-A:10-B:C type)
   • Safe access routes to sleeping areas
   • Handrails where required

2. Potential Building Permits: Any renovations or improvements required to meet safety standards will require separate building permits

Step 3: Business License Application

A separate business license is required for each property operating as an STR. The licensing process evaluates:

• Compliance with issued CUP conditions
• Meeting of building requirements
• Provision of local contact information
• Tax registration compliance

Processing Time: 2-3 weeks typically, dependent on resolving any outstanding issues.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Requirements

Required Documents:

• Completed CUP application
• Site plan depicting property lines, structures, entrances, and off-street parking locations
• Complete floorplan showing all bedrooms and areas intended for STR use
• Written management plan demonstrating minimal neighborhood impact, complaint resolution procedures, and occupancy management

Business License Requirements

Required Documents:

• Completed STR License Application
• Site plan with property boundaries and parking details
• Complete floorplan of the property
• Tax account number or third-party transaction history report
• Building department inspection approval
• Affidavit of ownership (for owner-occupied STRs)
• Two documents verifying owner occupancy (driver's license, property tax statement, utility bill, or mortgage statement)

Noticing Requirements

Post-Licensing Obligations:

• Within 10 days of license issuance, provide contact information, CUP copy, and license copy to all properties within 300 feet
• Mail notice to all property owners within 300 feet as identified in Cache County records
• Submit Declaration of Notification to Logan City Business Licensing within 14 days

Ongoing Compliance Documentation

Required Postings in STR:

• STR license copy
• Owner/agent contact information
• Fire and emergency exit plan with fire extinguisher locations
• Maximum occupancy limit
• Maximum number of vehicles allowed and parking stall locations

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning and Location Restrictions

Residential Zones:

• STRs are conditionally permitted in all residential zones
• Requires CUP approval before business license application
• Subject to proximity restrictions and density limits

Commercial Zones:

• Permitted uses in commercial zones (except Commercial Services, Industrial Park, Airport)
• No CUP required
• Fewer operational restrictions but subject to parking and safety requirements

Proximity and Density Restrictions

Proximity Requirements:

• 750-foot separation between licensed STRs in residential zones (measured property line to property line)
• Owner-occupied STRs are exempt from proximity restrictions
• Only 1 STR permitted per residential structure (1 per duplex, triplex, etc.)

Citywide Density Cap:

• Total permitted STRs limited to 2 per 1,000 population (approximately 108 total licenses citywide)

Operational Standards

Occupancy Limits:

• Maximum occupancy: 2 occupants per bedroom plus 2 additional occupants

Rental Tenure Restrictions:

• Maximum rental period: 30 days or less
• Same individual/group cannot rent for more than 2 consecutive contracts within any 6-month period

Parking Requirements

Off-Street Parking Mandate:

• All STR parking must be located on the same lot as the STR
• No on-street parking permitted
• 1 parking stall required per 2 bedrooms
• Minimum stall size: 9' x 18'

Parking Location Restrictions:

• Parking only permitted outside of front setbacks
• Single-family zones: Front setback 25', corner lot 20'
• Multi-family zones: Front setback 15' (MR-9) or 10' (MR-12, 20 & 30)
• Existing driveways may be utilized if sufficient space exists

Owner-Occupied STR Requirements

Additional Requirements:

• No proximity restrictions apply
• CUP and business license are nontransferable - any ownership change requires new permits
• ** affidavit of ownership** required with business license application
• Two documents verifying owner occupancy required at application

Safety and Building Standards

Mandatory Safety Features:

• Egress windows compliant with 2021 IRC R310 in all bedrooms
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout property
• Fire extinguisher (2-A:10-B:C type) readily accessible
• Safe, unobstructed access to all sleeping areas and main entry
• Handrails where required by building code

Appearance Standards:

• Residential appearance and character must be maintained
• Signage limited to one 2-square-foot sign affixed to building front

Nuisance and Enforcement Standards

Local Contact Requirements:

• Designated local contact required (owner or agent)
• Must be available 24 hours/day to respond to STR issues
• Response time requirement: Must respond within 60 minutes of complaint receipt

Quiet Hours:

• Mandatory quiet hours: 10 PM to 8 AM

Violation Consequences:

• More than 3 violations within calendar year may result in license and CUP revocation
• STRs subject to all Logan City nuisance ordinances
• Failure to address complaints promptly constitutes ordinance violation

Tax Obligations

Transient Room Tax:

• Must collect and remit transient room tax
• Evidence of remittance required for license renewals
• Registration with Utah State Tax Commission required

Contact Information for Local Authority

Planning Division (CUP Applications)

• Russ Holley: 435-716-9023, russ.holley@loganutah.gov
• Aimee Egbert: 435-716-9036, aimee.egbert@loganutah.gov
• Application Portal: bit.ly/lcplanapps

Business Licensing Division (STR Business License)

• Daniela Tucker: 435-716-9230
• Marie Drollette: 435-716-9008
• Email: businesslicense@loganutah.gov
• Application Portal: bit.ly/lcblapps

Building Department (Inspections and Permits)

• Cristina Brough, Permit Tech: 435-716-9030, cristina.brough@loganutah.gov
• Ben Anderson, Building Official: 435-716-9032, ben.anderson@loganutah.gov

Community Development Department (General Information)

• Phone: 435-716-9006
• General Contact: businesslicense@loganutah.gov
• Website: www.loganutah.gov

Source Links and References

Official City Documents

• Logan City STR Main Page: www.loganutah.gov/government/departments/community_development/short_term_rental.php
• STR Factsheet (October 2024): cms9files.revize.com/loganut/departments/comdev/STR/STR%20Factsheet%2010.23.24.2.pdf
• Municipal Code: codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/loganut/latest/overview

Application Portals

• Planning Applications: bit.ly/lcplanapps
• Business License Applications: bit.ly/lcblapps
• Report a Problem/Concern: www.loganutah.gov/residents/report_a_problem/index.php

News and Updates

• Recent STR Regulation Changes (Oct 2024): www.hjnews.com/news/government/logan-city-council-compromises-on-short-term-rental-restrictions/article_9077459a-8105-11ef-bbdc-cb2db7aa05cc.html

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Important Notes for Investors:

• STR business licenses expire annually on June 30
• Licenses are nontransferable
• Evidence of transient room tax remittance required for renewals
• Building permits may be required for safety improvements
• The 2 per 1,000 population cap means early application is essential
• Violations can result in immediate license revocation
• Owner-occupied STRs have significant regulatory advantages but require ongoing occupancy verification

This guide reflects regulations as of October 2024. Given the evolving nature of STR regulations, investors should verify current requirements with Logan City before making investment decisions.