Overview: STR Status in North Salt Lake

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in North Salt Lake, UT, but under strict regulatory requirements. The city permits STRs within residential properties through a comprehensive permitting system that emphasizes owner-occupancy, neighborhood preservation, and active property management. Unlike some jurisdictions that prohibit STRs entirely, North Salt Lake has established a regulated framework that allows residential property owners to operate short-term rentals while maintaining oversight and compliance standards.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in North Salt Lake

Step 1: Verify Eligibility and Property Suitability

• Confirm the property is your primary residence (you must reside there at least 183 nights per year)
• Ensure your property is a single-family, two-family, or multifamily dwelling (up to 10 units in multifamily properties)
• Verify no private covenants, conditions, or restrictions prohibit STRs
• Confirm adequate off-street parking capacity (1 space per 2 bedrooms)

Step 2: Complete Required Applications and Documentation

• Obtain STR Land Use Permit from Community Development Department
• Apply for Business License through city licensing
• Register for Utah State sales tax license
• Complete business entity registration (if applicable)
• Submit required affidavits and supporting documentation

Step 3: Meet Safety and Compliance Requirements

• Complete building and safety inspections
• Install required safety features (smoke detectors, CO detectors, GFCI outlets, etc.)
• Ensure window egress compliance and handrails/guardrails as applicable
• Complete parking improvements per approved site plan

Step 4: Maintain Ongoing Compliance

• Post required information within STR unit
• Maintain 24/7 availability for emergency response
• Monitor noise compliance and enforce violations
• Complete required property maintenance
• File applicable taxes and maintain business registration

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Permits and Licenses

1. STR Land Use Permit (No fee charged)

   • Zoning compliance review only
   • Required for both primary dwelling and ADU STRs
   • Valid only while maintaining ownership and primary residency

2. Business License

   • Separate from land use permit but required simultaneously
   • Revocation of either invalidates the other
   • Must display prominently within STR unit

3. State of Utah Sales Tax License

   • Required for tax collection and remittance
   • Applied through state tax commission

4. Business Entity Registration (if applicable)

   • Required if operating as corporation, LLC, or similar entity

Supporting Documentation Requirements

• Proof of Ownership: Copy of transfer deed listing applicant as fee title owner
• Residency Proof: Government-issued ID and notarized affidavit confirming 183+ nights per year residence
• Site Plan: Detailed drawing showing property layout and required parking additions
• Floor Plan: Detailed drawing defining STR area within dwelling
• Private Restrictions Affidavit: Notarized statement confirming no covenants prohibit STRs
• Property Photos: Visual documentation of safety compliance

Safety and Building Compliance Checklist

• Working smoke detector in each bedroom
• Working smoke and CO detector outside each bedroom
• Approved GFCI outlets in kitchen and bathroom
• Water heater strapped to wall
• Windows meeting minimum egress requirements
• Handrail on basement entrance staircase (if applicable)
• Guardrail above basement entrance, minimum 36" above grade (if applicable)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Owner-Occupancy Requirements (Single and Two-Family Dwellings)

• Primary Residence Requirement: Owner must reside in property as primary residence
• Temporary Absence: Permitted for bona fide temporary absence up to 3 years for job assignment, sabbatical, or voluntary service
• Ownership Restrictions: Only individuals or majority trustors (50%+ ownership) may apply. Corporations, LLCs, and similar entities prohibited

Rental Limitations and Duration

• Primary Dwelling STR: Maximum 182 nights per year exclusive STR use
• ADU STR: Up to 365 nights per year permitted
• Minimum Stay: 1 night minimum
• Maximum Stay: 30 consecutive days maximum
• Occupancy Restrictions: Property cannot be rented to more than one renter at any given time
• Single Renter Rule: Cannot divide and rent portions of dwelling to multiple renters simultaneously

Parking Requirements

• Off-Street Parking: Required at rate of 1 space per 2 bedrooms (portions count as full bedroom)
• Minimum Requirement: Minimum 1 space regardless of bedroom count
• Tandem Restrictions: Off-street STR parking cannot be in tandem with required parking for primary dwelling
• ADU Specific: For STRs in ADUs, parking must be in addition to required 2 spaces for main dwelling and cannot be in tandem with garage
• Shared Parking: Permitted in P-Districts or multifamily developments only with express written HOA/property management approval

Management and Response Requirements

• 24/7 Availability: Owner or designated representative must be available 365 days/year by phone
• Physical Response: Must be able to respond in person within 1 hour of legitimate complaint
• Contact Failure: If city cannot reach owner/representative after 3 attempted contacts, notice of violation issued

Property Maintenance Standards

• Title 4 Compliance: Must adhere to all city ordinances for weed abatement, landscaping, garbage removal, structure maintenance, and fence/wall maintenance
• Snow Removal: Must remove snow from property sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall per City Code section 7-1-2

Noise and Nuisance Control

• Noise Ordinance Adherence: Owners responsible for ensuring renters comply with city noise control (Title 4, Chapter 4)
• 72-Hour Violation Rule: Renters violating noise ordinance more than once in 72-hour period must be immediately evicted by owner
• Three-Strike Rule: More than 3 verified noise complaints in 12-month period may result in permit/license revocation for 2 years

Required Posting and Information

The following must be displayed in highly visible area within STR:

• City issued STR business license
• 24/7 owner or designated representative contact information
• Parking requirements including site map of approved off-street parking areas
• Maximum occupancy of STR
• City noise ordinance (or website link) and consequences of violation
• Garbage receptacle location, pick-up dates, and placement instructions for pickup during stay
• Contact information for North Salt Lake City Police and South Davis Metro Fire District
• Additional information as required by land use permit

Multifamily Dwelling Specific Regulations

• Unit Limit: Up to half of total legal dwelling units on single property may be permitted as STRs, maximum 10 units
• Whole Unit Requirement: Entire dwelling unit must be rented; room or portion rental prohibited
• Nightly Limit: Minimum 1 night, maximum 30 consecutive nights per stay
• Annual Limit: Up to 365 nights per year total
• Subleasing Prohibited: Long-term renters cannot sublease their units as STRs
• Entity Ownership: Corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and similar entities permitted for property ownership
• Management Requirement: Owner not required to reside on property if designated employee/manager/management company available for immediate 24/7 response and physical response within 1 hour

Enforcement and Penalties

• First Violation: $500 fine within 12-month period
• Second Violation: $750 fine within 12-month period
• Third Violation: $1,000 fine plus revocation of STR business license and land use permit; ineligible for STR permits for 2 years from third violation date
• Subsequent Violations: $1,000 fine plus permanent ban from receiving STR permits and licenses

Permit Revocation Grounds

• Three verified violations within 12 months related to noise, property maintenance, parking, nuisance, or public health/safety threats
• Failure to evict renter who violated noise control more than once in 72-hour period
• Knowingly or intentionally housing sex offenders or allowing offenses related to adult-oriented businesses, sexual offenses, or prostitution
• Knowingly or intentionally allowing retail, restaurant, banquet space, or similar uses

Contact Information for Local Authority

Community & Economic Development Department

• Address: 10 East Center Street, North Salt Lake, UT 84054
• Phone: (801) 335-8700
• Fax: (801) 335-8719
• Email: planning@nslcity.org
• Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Website: nslcity.org

Code Enforcement

• Report Concerns: Available through city website request tracker
• Business Licensing: Available through Community Development Department

Additional Contacts

• Building Department: Same contact information as Community Development
• Business Licensing: Available through city website business licensing section
• South Davis Metro Fire District: Contact information provided in required STR posting materials

Source Pages

• Main STR License Information: www.nslcity.org/530/Short-Term-Rental-License
• STR Application Form and Requirements: www.nslcity.org/DocumentCenter/View/2061
• Complete STR Regulations (City Code): ut-northsaltlake.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/2060
• Business Licensing Information: www.nslcity.org/110/Business-Licensing
• Accessory Dwelling Unit Information: www.nslcity.org/519/Accessory-Dwelling-Units

This comprehensive regulatory framework positions North Salt Lake as a market that explicitly allows STR investments while maintaining strict oversight to preserve neighborhood character and ensure property management standards. The owner-occupancy requirement and 24/7 response mandate particularly favor hands-on operators over large-scale commercial operations, creating opportunities for local property investors who can actively manage their investments while generating supplemental income from their primary residences.