Executive Overview and Positioning

Short‑term rentals are not allowed in Saratoga Springs, Utah. The city’s Land Development Code defines a Short‑Term Rental as any residential unit (or portion of a unit) offered for occupancy for fewer than 30 consecutive calendar days and expressly states that IADUs (Internal Accessory Dwelling Units) “shall not be used as a Short‑Term Rental and shall be rented only for a term of not less than 30 days.” Owners may still operate lawful long‑term rentals (30+ days), including IADUs where permitted and compliant. At the county level, Utah County does not publish additional STR‑specific rules that supersede the city’s 30‑day minimum. At the state level, Utah has not imposed a comprehensive statewide ban on STRs, so city and county rules govern.

Notes for investors:

• Market signals (e.g., third‑party reports) sometimes classify Utah’s regulatory environment as “low regulation.” That does not change the Saratoga Springs prohibition on rentals under 30 days; investors must treat the city’s 30‑day minimum as the binding rule.
• Saratoga Springs, New York enacted STR regulations in 2024 and created a registry in 2025; those New York‑specific materials do not apply to Saratoga Springs, Utah. This guide focuses solely on Utah’s Saratoga Springs and Utah‑wide context.

Key citations:

• City code (IADU and STR rules; 30‑day minimum; STR prohibition) — see city code links below
• IADU definitions, zoning, and permit standards — see IADU FAQs and code
• IADU classification zones map
• New York article and draft registry (for context only; not Utah law)

Market Entry Path: Turning STR Constraints into a Compliant LTR Strategy

Given the prohibition on rentals under 30 days, the most practical pathway is to build or register a compliant Internal Accessory Dwelling Unit (IADU) and operate it as a lawful long‑term rental (≥30 days). The steps below consolidate all city requirements into an actionable flow.

Step 1 — Confirm zoning eligibility for an IADU

• Use the city’s IADU Classification Zones map to determine whether your property lies within an IADU Allowed, IADU Potential, or IADU Prohibited zone.
• If Prohibited or Potential, you may initiate a neighborhood‑level map amendment (see “Regulatory Framework” for process).

Step 2 — Check HOA and neighborhood constraints

• Even if an IADU is Allowed, the HOA may prohibit IADUs or impose stricter rules. Confirm HOA covenants and rules prior to applying.

Step 3 — Secure core approvals and permits

• Building Permit: Contact the Building Department for scope, plans, and inspections.
• IADU Registration: Complete the IADU Registration process; the City provides step‑by‑step instructions.

Step 4 — Complete all physical and safety standards

• Minimum lot size (>6,000 sq ft), owner‑occupancy, separate exterior entrance, required living areas (sleeping, kitchen, full bathroom), setback compliance, single‑family appearance, and address standards (principal unit “A” and IADU “Unit B”).
• Parking: Provide at least one paved off‑street space (9’ x 18’) for the IADU behind the front setback; on‑street parking does not satisfy this requirement. Garage space counts only if the primary dwelling has at least two enclosed spaces.

Step 5 — Utilities and owner‑occupancy rules

• Separate utility meters may be installed; utilities must be in the property owner’s name. The home must remain owner‑occupied except for permitted temporary absences (up to three years for job, sabbatical, military, or voluntary service). During an approved absence, either rent the entire home to one family or rent one unit while leaving the other vacant.

Step 6 — Set a 30‑day minimum and market as long‑term

• Operation: The IADU (and any portion rented separately) must be offered for 30+ days; any stay under 30 days violates city rules.

Step 7 — Monitor and comply

• The city issues violations for illegal accessory units; enforcement includes notices and fines. Maintain permits, inspections, and owner‑occupancy compliance throughout operation.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Permits and approvals

• Building Permit
  • When required: For most IADU creation or remodeling work (interior conversions, new kitchen/bathroom, structural, egress, etc.).
  • Contact: Building Department at 801‑766‑6507.
• IADU Registration
  • When required: Whenever an IADU is used; the City provides step‑by‑step registration instructions.
  • Note: Registration complements (and does not replace) any required building permits.

Submittals and documentation typically needed

• Proof of ownership (deed, tax bill, or mortgage note) with the property address and owner name(s).
• Site plan (to scale) if requested by the Code Enforcement Officer (for parking layout, septic, setbacks).
• Affidavit Certification (completed, signed, and notarized) attesting to:
  • Compliance with applicable building and fire codes.
  • Presence and quantity of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Operational exterior doors and unobstructed egress paths.
  • Safe electrical systems and proper venting/cleaning of fireplaces/heating equipment.
  • Bedroom safety and egress window/door standards.
  • Posted 911 address number (unit “B” for the IADU).
  • Condition of pools/decks (if present).
  • Accurate bedroom and parking counts.
• Proof of insurance
  • Property and premises liability insurance that acknowledges rental use. At minimum, one million dollars ($1,000,000) in third‑party coverage for property damage or bodily injury.
• Fire Inspection Report (if required by the city or Fire Department in connection with the IADU; some properties require a fire inspection within a defined period prior to registration).
• Septic inspection (if not served by public sewer)
  • Report issued within the last two years indicating system type/size and condition, and compliance with NY DOH rules (noting the earlier draft’s NY‑specific rules; for Utah properties, follow state and local health department rules—obtain current guidance from the Building Department or Utah County health officials).
• Property contact (manager or agent) and acknowledgment of having read all applicable regulations (if applicable to your chosen operation model).
• Application fees and acknowledgments (per city fee schedule; confirm with the Building Department or Accounts Office for current amounts).

Owner‑occupancy documentation (if seeking a temporary absence exception)

• Evidence of bona‑fide temporary absence (job assignment, sabbatical, military service, or voluntary service), typically limited to three years or less.

Key IADU standards to verify

• Number: Maximum one IADU per lot.
• Minimum lot size: Greater than 6,000 square feet.
• Living areas: Separate sleeping area; kitchen (storage, prep, cooking); and a full bathroom (toilet, sink, and bathtub or shower).
• Separate entrance: Exterior entrance meeting all setback requirements.
• Parking: One paved off‑street space (9’ x 18’) behind the front setback line; no parking in side yard setbacks adjacent to a street except within an approved driveway; on‑street parking does not count; garage space counts only if two enclosed spaces are provided for the primary dwelling.
• Building and fire code compliance; single‑family appearance; address standards (principal unit “A”; IADU “Unit B”).

Specific Regulations for Saratoga Springs, Utah (city, county, state)

City of Saratoga Springs (Utah)

• Short‑Term Rentals: Not allowed. STR is defined as any residential unit or portion of a unit offered for occupancy for fewer than 30 consecutive calendar days.
• Internal Accessory Dwelling Units (IADUs)
  • Allowed only in mapped IADU zones (Allowed, Potential, Prohibited).
  • Maximum one IADU per lot; minimum lot size >6,000 sq ft; owner‑occupied (with narrow temporary absence allowances).
  • IADUs must meet all building/fire/safety codes, include a separate exterior entrance, meet setback standards, maintain single‑family appearance, and comply with address and utility requirements.
  • IADUs must include required living areas (sleeping, kitchen, full bathroom) and parking (one paved space behind the front setback).
  • IADUs may not be used as STRs; minimum rental term is 30 days.
• Amending the IADU map
  • Neighborhood‑level applications only; individual homeowners cannot change designation for a single parcel.
  • Requirements: 66% homeowner approval within the subdivision; HOA board approval (if applicable); Planning Commission hearing; City Council action; City Fire Marshal approval for subdivisions with substandard roads; application fee.
• Enforcement
  • City Code Enforcement issues notices of violation for unauthorized IADUs; fines may accrue if violations are not corrected.

Utah County (Utah)

• The city’s 30‑day minimum is the operative local standard. No separate county‑level STR ordinance is published in the provided materials that overrides or adds city requirements.

State of Utah

• No statewide STR prohibition is identified in the provided materials. Municipal rules (e.g., Saratoga Springs’ prohibition on rentals under 30 days) govern.
• If your property uses a private septic system, ensure state and county health department rules are met (coordinate with the Building Department and health officials).

Jurisdiction note

• Materials referencing New York (e.g., NY Building/Fire Codes, NY DOH Appendix 75‑A, NYSTR registry drafts, or NYS property maintenance codes) do not apply to Utah. For Utah properties, rely on Utah adopted codes and local standards as administered by the city and county health departments.

Contact Information (City Departments and Key Offices)

• City of Saratoga Springs (General)

  • Address: 1307 N Commerce Drive, Saratoga Springs, UT 84045
  • Phone: 801‑766‑9793
  • City Office Hours: Mon–Thu 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

• Building Department

  • Phone: 801‑766‑6507
  • Use: Building permits, plan reviews, inspections for IADU projects

• Planning Department (IADU Zoning Amendments)

  • Phone: 801‑766‑9793 (ask for the Planning Department Administrative Assistant or ext. 155)
  • Email: Planning@SaratogaSpringsCity.com
  • Use: IADU map amendments, neighborhood petitions, HOA coordination, scheduling hearings

• Code Enforcement

  • Web: Report a Concern
  • Use: Reporting unauthorized IADUs or other code violations

Source Links (Important)

• City of Saratoga Springs (UT): IADU FAQs (residential renting)
  • www.saratogasprings-ut.gov/1008/FAQs-for-Accessory-Units-Renting
• City of Saratoga Springs (UT): Printable IADU FAQ
  • www.saratogasprings-ut.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11565/Printable-PDF-version-of-IADU-FAQs
• City of Saratoga Springs (UT): IADU Registration Process (instructions)
  • www.saratogasprings-ut.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14038/IADU-Registration-Process
• City of Saratoga Springs (UT): City code regarding IADUs and rent standards
  • www.saratogasprings-ut.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1389/1920-Internal-Accessory-Dwelling-Units-IADUs
• City of Saratoga Springs (UT): IADU Classification Map
  • ssgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Embed/index.html?webmap=b45b6c58588f4aa7889574762a1295ea&extent=-111.9919,40.3022,-111.7383,40.4104&home=true&zoom=true&scale=false&search=true&searchextent=true&legend=true&disable_scroll=false&theme=light
• City of Saratoga Springs (UT): Address and Subdivision Plat Lookup Map
  • ssgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6976d56e77f4491bb17fea2afecaee33
• Utah County Recorder (land records/plats)
  • www.utahcounty.gov/LandRecords/Index.asp.
• City of Saratoga Springs (NY) Proposed STR Registry (not UT law)
  • www.saratoga-springs.org/DocumentCenter/View/17643/Earlier-Version-of-Proposed_Short_Term_Rental_Registry_20240208pdf
• NEWS10 ABC: Saratoga Springs (NY) passes STR regulations (news context; not UT law)
  • www.news10.com/news/saratoga-county/saratoga-springs-passes-short-term-rental-regulations/

How to Turn STR Constraints into a Compliant Investment Strategy

For investors focused on Saratoga Springs, Utah, the practical conclusion is clear: develop or register a compliant IADU and operate it as a long‑term rental (30+ days). Any listing, marketing, or booking structure that solicits stays under 30 days will violate city rules and expose you to enforcement.

Operationally, design for long‑term stability:

• Target tenant profiles that value 30–90 day stays (e.g., traveling nurses, remote workers on extended assignments, contractors).
• Provide fully outfitted kitchens and amenities appropriate for longer stays.
• Price on a monthly basis and avoid platform features that market nightly stays.

Compliance is both legal and reputational:

• Maintain owner‑occupancy or documented temporary absence records.
• Keep the IADU registration and building permits current.
• Track fire and safety inspections; renew as required.
• For septic properties, maintain current inspection reports per county/state guidance.

Investor Checklist

• Confirm IADU eligibility (Allowed/Potential/Prohibited) via the city map.
• Verify HOA rules and any additional neighborhood restrictions.
• Apply for a building permit (if construction/remodel is needed) and complete the IADU Registration process.
• Complete the Affidavit Certification, install required safety equipment, and document egress plans.
• Secure property and premises liability insurance (min. $1,000,000) acknowledging rental use.
• If on septic, obtain a compliant inspection report (follow current local/state health rules).
• Establish a 30‑day minimum stay policy and set monthly pricing.
• Post address numbers and keep common areas clear of on‑street parking to meet the IADU parking requirement.
• Maintain ongoing communications with the Building Department, Planning Department, and Code Enforcement for any changes or renewals.

Closing Perspective

Saratoga Springs, Utah presents a straightforward rule set for housing assets: no short‑term rentals (under 30 days), IADUs allowed only where mapped and fully compliant, and a strong emphasis on owner‑occupancy and neighborhood stability. For investors, this favors long