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Nephi, UT

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STR Regulations for Nephi, Utah

Overview: Are short‑term rentals allowed in Nephi?

Short‑term rentals (STRs) of fewer than 30 consecutive days are explicitly allowed in Nephi under municipal ordinance 11‑05‑2024 “Short‑Term Rental Regulations for Lodging Less Than 30 Days,” adopted by the Nephi City Council on November 5, 2024. The city requires licensing, compliance with safety codes, and adherence to operating guidelines. At the state level, Utah does not prohibit listing an STR on a short‑term rental website; however, it restricts certain arrangements involving internal accessory dwelling units (IADUs) — specifically, renting an IADU for fewer than 30 consecutive days is prohibited by state law. Investors should confirm zoning compatibility before acquiring or converting property.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Nephi?

Nephi hosts earn a median $23,129/year with $172 ADR and 69% occupancy.

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See the full Nephi market breakdown

How to start a short‑term rental in Nephi

  1. Confirm property zoning with Nephi City Planning/Zoning to ensure STRs are permitted at the subject address.
  2. Apply for a Nephi business license (if required) and obtain the city STR license/permit under Ordinance 11‑05‑2024.
  3. Complete any required safety and health inspections (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguisher, address posting, egress window compliance, and general building/fire code adherence).
  4. If the unit is an IADU, ensure it is not offered for fewer than 30 consecutive days; state law (H.B. 82) prohibits IADU short‑term rentals under 30 days, and Nephi’s ordinance framework aligns with that prohibition.
  5. Register for Transient Room Tax (TRT) and sales/use tax where applicable with the Utah State Tax Commission; confirm local transient room tax requirements with Nephi or Juab County. (TRT is typically collected by hosts and remitted to the state; verify registration and filing obligations.)
  6. Prepare a House Rules packet, renter contact/emergency information, and set up screening and booking processes consistent with the city’s rules.
  7. Post required information inside the STR (license number, emergency contacts, fire rules) as directed by the ordinance.
  8. Maintain records for inspections, guest logs (if required), and tax filings; renew the STR license annually.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

  • Nephi STR license/permit under Ordinance 11‑05‑2024
    • License renewals are established to expire on December 31 annually (per planning commission direction reflected in meeting minutes).
  • Business license/registration as required by Nephi
  • Proof of safety and code compliance
    • Functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
    • Fire extinguisher(s) in accessible locations
    • Street address clearly posted
    • Egress bedroom window compliance where applicable
    • Compliance with building, health, and fire codes
  • TRC/TRT registration and any applicable local transient room tax registration
  • Responsible agent contact information (24/7) posted inside the unit
  • House Rules and emergency information packet for guests
  • Noise, parking, occupancy, and trash management plan consistent with city code
  • Fire restriction notifications if a county fire ban is in effect (the responsible agent must notify renters of current restrictions)
  • For IADUs: Prohibited to rent for fewer than 30 days; confirm IADU recording with the county if applicable

Specific regulations: Nephi (municipality), Juab County (unincorporated), and Utah (state)

  • Nephi (municipal)
    • Short‑term rentals under 30 days are allowed with a license under Ordinance 11‑05‑2024.
    • Licensing, safety code compliance, and operating guidelines are required.
    • Licenses expire annually on December 31 (as established in the local regulatory process).
    • Responsible agent must post contact information and provide notices regarding fire restrictions during county fire bans.
  • Juab County (unincorporated)
    • The Juab County Planning Commission discussed a short‑term rental ordinance in 2022, with emphasis on protecting public safety and requiring annual license expiration on December 31.
    • The county discussion addressed fire restrictions notification, license expiration, and enforcement mechanisms (including liens for violations); specifics for any adopted ordinance should be verified with the County Commission/Attorney’s office.
  • Utah (state)
    • State law prohibits municipalities and counties from restricting speech on short‑term rental websites; cities may not punish someone solely for listing an STR.
    • Internal accessory dwelling units (IADUs) are a permitted use in residential zones, but:
      • Renting an IADU for fewer than 30 consecutive days is prohibited.
      • State law allows local recording of IADUs and enforcement tools (including liens) for violations.
    • IADU rules include requirements for owner‑occupancy, long‑term rental (≥30 days), additional parking, and design standards to maintain single‑family appearance.

Contact information

  • Nephi City (municipal licensing, zoning, STR ordinance)
    • Address: 21 East 100 North, Nephi, UT 84648
    • Phone: (435) 623‑0822
    • Email: lisabrough@nephi.utah.gov
    • Note: Full ordinance text is available at the City Recorder’s Office (Ordinance 11‑05‑2024).
  • Juab County (unincorporated regulations and TRT coordination)
    • Administrative Offices, Nephi, UT
    • General Phone: (435) 623‑0340 (verify with the County Commission/Attorney’s office for STR administration)
  • Utah State Tax Commission (sales/use tax and Transient Room Tax registration/filings)
    • Phone: (801) 297‑2200 or (800) 662‑4335
    • Website: tax.utah.gov

Source pages and documents

Important note: Obtain the full text of Ordinance 11‑05‑2024 from the Nephi City Recorder’s Office or the attached PDF to confirm the latest licensing, safety, zoning, and enforcement details, as well as any fees, inspection requirements, and local taxes.

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Nephi

Market Saturation Score

036912
Oversaturated
11/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
11–12 declining months: sustained YoY revenue decline - market is oversaturated.
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Photos of Nephi

Overview of Nephi

Nephi is a small city in Juab County, in central Utah, with a population of roughly 6,000 to 7,000 residents. It sits along Interstate 15 in a broad valley framed by the Wasatch Range to the east and the rolling hills of the western desert, occupying the kind of transitional landscape where the Great Basin meets the Wasatch Front. Founded in the 1850s by Mormon pioneers and named for a figure in the Book of Mormon, the city has retained a quiet, small-town agricultural character with a tidy historic core and an unhurried pace. It functions as a convenient stopover between Salt Lake City, about 80 miles to the north along I-15, and the recreation country of central and southern Utah.

One of the biggest draws near Nephi is Mount Nebo, the highest peak in the Wasatch Range at roughly 11,900 feet. The mountain and its surrounding wilderness are reached via the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway, which begins just east of town and climbs through aspen groves and alpine terrain for about 30 to 45 minutes before reaching trailheads and overlooks. In summer, the loop is popular for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography, while in fall the changing aspens draw leaf-peepers from across the region.

About 25 miles southwest of Nephi lies Yuba State Park, a reservoir popular for warm-weather recreation. The lake draws visitors for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping, and it offers a welcome change of pace from the high-elevation terrain to the east. With wide-open water and relatively modest crowds, it has long been a favorite of locals looking for an easy weekend escape.

Further south, Fishlake National Forest spreads across a large swath of central Utah. The closest parts of the forest begin within roughly 30 miles of Nephi, while the forest's namesake lake and primary recreation areas are a little over an hour's drive to the south. The forest offers fishing, camping, hiking, and scenic drives, including the famous Pando aspen clone near Fish Lake, one of the largest living organisms on earth.

Downtown Nephi itself is worth a slow stroll. The historic main street still carries the feel of a 19th-century pioneer settlement, with locally owned shops, cafes, and a handful of restored brick buildings. Together with nearby landmarks like the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum, the downtown area gives visitors a sense of the city's pioneer-era roots.

Nephi makes a compelling base for short-term rentals because it sits squarely at the intersection of I-15 travel and central Utah's outdoor playgrounds. Travelers heading south toward Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, or Fishlake can use the city as an affordable, low-key overnight stop, while outdoor enthusiasts drawn to Mount Nebo, Yuba State Park, and the broader Wasatch and Sevier regions find a quiet home base with easy access in every direction.

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