Overview and Current Status

Mapleton, UT does not currently permit short-term rentals. In 2014, Mapleton initially allowed STRs as a conditional use in the A-2 zone on parcels five acres or larger; two STRs were approved under that framework. In 2021, the City Council removed short-term rentals as a conditional use. As of the latest documents dated January 17, 2024, STRs remain prohibited while the City Council evaluates two legislative options: a complete ban (Option #1) or an ordinance allowing STRs subject to conditions (Option #2). A public hearing on the proposed ordinance was held January 17, 2024. Investors should monitor Mapleton City’s official channels for the Council’s final decision.

• Source: City Council Staff Report (1/17/2024), Public Notice (1/4/2024)
• Source links: www.utah.gov/pmn/files/1070091.pdf; www.utah.gov/pmn/files/1066419.pdf

If/When Mapleton Allows STRs: How to Start a Business (Step-by-Step)

If the City Council adopts Option #2 (or a modified version), the process to operate a compliant STR would follow these steps:

1. Confirm eligibility
   • Owner-occupied primary residence requirement (the owner’s primary residence must be on the property).
   • Only one STR per lot or parcel.
   • If using an accessory unit for STR, confirm it meets Mapleton City Code section 18.84.410(D) and (E).
2. Business license application
   • Submit a Mapleton City Business License application to the Community Development Department.
   • The Community Development Director or designee reviews for compliance with the STR ordinance.
3. Inspections
   • A building and fire inspection is required. A checklist is provided with the business license application.
4. Approval
   • Upon successful inspections and compliance determination, the Business License is approved by the Community Development Director or designee.
   • In unique circumstances, the Director may refer the application to the Planning Commission.
5. Ongoing obligations
   • Maintain owner-occupancy.
   • Document the maximum of 90 days per calendar year of rental use if applicable.
   • Enforce maximum occupancy limits.
   • Provide sufficient off-street parking and minimum two-night stays.
   • Be available 24/7/365 to respond to issues within one hour, or face notice of violation.
   • Follow Mapleton City’s disturbing the peace ordinance (MCC 9.12).
6. Neighbor notification and compliance
   • The City will notify all property owners within 100 feet with license conditions and contact information for the applicant.
   • Keep renter rules and City contact information clearly posted inside the unit.

• Source: City Council Staff Report (Option #2 – draft ordinance text and process)
• Source link: www.utah.gov/pmn/files/1070091.pdf

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Inspections

If an STR ordinance is adopted, the following requirements are expected to apply:

• Mapleton City Business License

  • Issued by the Community Development Department upon inspection and compliance review.

• Building and Fire Inspections

  • Required prior to license approval; a checklist is provided with the application.

• Owner-Occupancy Documentation

  • Required to demonstrate the owner’s primary residence using at least two of the following: motor vehicle registration, driver’s license, voter registration, or tax documents showing the residential unit for homeowner tax exemption.

• Parking Plan

  • Minimum one off-street parking space per four occupants (rounded up).

• Occupancy and Safety Documentation

  • A bedroom is defined as at least 70 square feet of conditioned space designed for sleeping with two means of egress including at least one door.

• Renter Rules

  • Align with Mapleton’s disturbing the peace ordinance (MCC 9.12).

• Availability and Contact Plan

  • Owner or designated representative must be available 24/7/365 and able to respond within one hour; City may issue a notice of violation after three unsuccessful contact attempts.

• Source: City Council Staff Report (Option #2 – definitions, application and review process, inspections, and operational requirements)

• Source link: www.utah.gov/pmn/files/1070091.pdf

Detailed Rules That Would Apply (if Option #2 is Adopted)

If the City Council adopts Option #2, STRs would be allowed under the following conditions:

• Owner-Occupancy

  • The primary residence on the lot must be owner-occupied (owner’s primary residence).

• One STR Per Lot

  • No more than one STR per lot or parcel.

• Accessory Unit Requirements

  • If using an attached or detached accessory unit for STR, it must comply with MCC 18.84.410(D) and (E).

• Rental Days Limit

  • Maximum of 90 days per calendar year for renting the primary residence or accessory apartment. Applicants may be required to provide documentation verifying compliance.

• Occupancy Limits

  • Maximum occupancy equals two occupants per bedroom, capped at 12 occupants total. For example, a four-bedroom unit would allow a maximum of eight occupants.

• Parking

  • Minimum off-street parking of one space per four occupants; fractional totals are rounded up to the next whole number.

• Minimum Stay

  • Two consecutive nights minimum per stay.

• Renter Conduct

  • Guests must comply with Mapleton City’s disturbing the peace ordinance (MCC 9.12).

• Owner Availability

  • Owner (or designated representative) must be reachable 24/7/365 and able to respond in person within one hour.

• Neighbor Notification

  • The City will mail notices to all property owners within 100 feet with the license conditions and the applicant’s contact information.

• Application and Review

  • Business license application to the Community Development Department; review by the Director or designee; building and fire inspection; potential referral to Planning Commission for unique cases.

• Appeals

  • Appeals of decisions may be filed in accordance with MCC 18.84.460.

• Enforcement and Penalties

  • Zoning violations are a Class C misdemeanor subject to fines up to $1,000 and/or up to 90 days imprisonment.
  • If the property owner receives two or more citations in a calendar year, the license may be revoked.
  • If a renter violates the disturbing the peace ordinance more than once in a 72-hour period, the renter must be immediately evicted by the owner, as determined by the Public Safety Director or designee.

• Source: City Council Staff Report (Option #2 – rules and enforcement)

• Source link: www.utah.gov/pmn/files/1070091.pdf

Key Deviations Recommended by the Planning Commission (June 8, 2023)

The Planning Commission recommended that the City Council adopt an STR ordinance, but with significant changes to Option #2:

• Remove the owner-occupied requirement.
• Set yearly rental days:
  • 180 to 365 days per year if owner-occupied.
  • 120 to 180 days per year if non-owner-occupied.
• Remove the maximum occupancy cap of 12; allow occupancy based on the number of bedrooms without a separate cap.
• Maintain the two-night minimum stay.
• No on-street parking for STR renters (off-street parking required).
• Revoke the permit if there are more than two citations within a 12-month period.

Note: The Commission’s recommendations do not bind the City Council; the Council may adopt Option #2 as written, adopt it with modifications, or ban STRs entirely.

• Source: Planning Commission Minutes (June 8, 2023)
• Source link: www.utah.gov/pmn/files/1070091.pdf

State and County Context (Utah)

At the state level, Utah has not enacted a statute that comprehensively prohibits or preempts local regulation of STRs. Mapleton is proceeding with local options under its municipal authority. As of the documents, Utah’s legislature had not modified state law to prevent municipalities from regulating STRs. If local action stalls or fails, investors should be prepared to follow any future state-level guidance or changes.

• Source: Planning Commission Minutes (June 8, 2023)
• Source link: www.utah.gov/pmn/files/1070091.pdf

Public Opinion Highlights (Indicative)

Correspondence attached to the staff report shows extensive public input:

• Opposition concerns included impacts on neighborhood character, transient traffic, noise, safety, enforcement challenges, and potential reductions in long-term housing availability.
• Support focused on property rights, supplemental income for owners (especially seniors on fixed incomes), flexible use of space, and perceived better property maintenance relative to long-term rentals.
• Several comments emphasized that owner-occupancy mitigates risks, while investors or non-owner-occupied units may create more neighborhood strain.

These letters are informative but not regulatory; final decisions rest with the City Council.

• Source: City Council Staff Report (correspondence attachments)
• Source link: www.utah.gov/pmn/files/1070091.pdf

Contact Information (Mapleton City)

Mapleton City

• Address: 125 West Community Center Way, Mapleton, UT 84664
• Phone: 801-806-9106
• Website: www.mapleton.org

Community Development Department

• For business license applications, inspections, and STR ordinance questions.

Recorder’s Office

• For public meeting notices, hearing schedules, and records.
• Contact: Camille Brown, Recorder (801-806-9106)

ADA Accommodations

• Notify Camille Brown at Mapleton City at least 24 hours in advance of a hearing if special accommodations are needed.

• Source: Public Notice (January 4, 2024)

• Source link: www.utah.gov/pmn/files/1066419.pdf

Monitoring Next Steps and Final Adoption

• Status: STRs are not permitted as of January 2024. The City Council held a public hearing on January 17, 2024, to consider:

  • Option #1: Prohibit STRs in all zones.
  • Option #2: Allow STRs under conditions (owner-occupied, 90-day cap, occupancy limits, parking, two-night minimum, inspections, and enforcement).

• Actions for investors:

  • Watch the City Council agenda and minutes for adoption or modifications.
  • If an ordinance passes, obtain the Mapleton City Business License, complete building and fire inspections, and verify compliance with the adopted STR rules.
  • If the Council continues deliberation or requires additional work sessions, reassess timelines and feasibility.

• Source: City Council Staff Report; Public Notice

• Source links: www.utah.gov/pmn/files/1070091.pdf; www.utah.gov/pmn/files/1066419.pdf

Important Source Links

• City Council Staff Report (1/17/2024), including Planning Commission minutes and draft ordinance options: www.utah.gov/pmn/files/1070091.pdf
• Public Notice (1/4/2024) for City Council hearing: www.utah.gov/pmn/files/1066419.pdf

This guide reflects the information contained in the provided documents. If the City Council’s final action differs from the drafts, investors should promptly update their compliance plans to align with the adopted ordinance.