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

Explicit Answer: No, short-term rentals are explicitly prohibited in Syracuse, Utah. This prohibition applies to both primary dwelling units and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), as clearly stated in the Syracuse Municipal Code Section 10.30.020(E)(11): "Nightly Rental. Neither dwelling unit may be used for nightly/weekly rental."

Additionally, the city has explicitly prohibited overnight stays and short-term rentals in agritourism operations within the A-1 Agriculture zone, as detailed in the agritourism conditional use regulations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Direct Answer: You cannot legally operate a short-term rental business within Syracuse City limits.

Given Syracuse's explicit prohibition of nightly/weekly rentals, any short-term rental operation would be illegal and subject to code enforcement action. Investors considering this market should be aware that:

1. No exemptions exist - The prohibition applies to all dwelling units regardless of zoning
2. No grandfathering - Existing properties cannot claim previous use rights for STR operations
3. Active enforcement - The city has clear regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms in place

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Current Requirements (Due to STR Prohibition)

• None applicable - Since short-term rentals are prohibited, no permits, licenses, or documents are issued for this purpose

If Regulations Change (For Reference)

Based on the city's current regulatory framework, if STRs were to become legal, operators would likely need to comply with:

1. Business License - The city requires business licenses for commercial operations
2. Zoning Compliance - STRs would need to comply with underlying zoning district requirements
3. Conditional Use Permit - Likely required given the residential impact considerations
4. Fire and Safety Inspections - Standard for any commercial lodging operation
5. Building Permits - For any structural modifications

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Syracuse City Level

Explicit Prohibition:

• SMC 10.30.020(E)(11): "Neither dwelling unit may be used for nightly/weekly rental" - applies to both principal dwellings and ADUs
• Agritourism Regulation (SMC 10.55.030(M)): Explicitly states "no overnight stays/short term rental/camping/bed and breakfast" in A-1 zone agritourism operations

Davis County Level

• No specific county-level STR regulations identified in the provided documents
• County regulations would likely defer to municipal prohibitions where cities have established clear policies

Utah State Level

Utah Code Title 17, Chapter 50, Section 338:

• No specific state-level prohibition found in the provided documents
• State legislature has generally deferred to local municipalities for STR regulation
• Recent legislative sessions have considered ADU regulations but no specific STR legislation was identified

Zoning District Restrictions

Current STR Status by Zone:

• A-1 (Agriculture): Explicitly prohibits overnight stays/STRs even in agritourism operations
• R-1, R-2, R-3 (Residential): ADUs allowed but STR prohibited
• RPC, PRD: No specific STR provisions found, but general prohibition would apply

Contact Information for Local Authority

Syracuse City

• Phone: (801) 825-1477
• Address: 1979 W. 1900 S., Syracuse, UT 84075
• Website: www.syracuseut.gov/
• City Recorder: Cassie Z. Brown - cassieb@syracuseut.gov

Key Departments:

• Planning Department: Handles zoning and land use applications
• Building Department: Issues permits and conducts inspections
• Code Enforcement: Handles ordinance violations
• City Council: Legislative body that would consider any STR regulation changes

Current Decision Makers (2025):

• Mayor: Dave Maughan
• City Council Members: Carver, Cragun, Robertson, Savage, Watson

Alternative Investment Strategies

Given the STR prohibition, consider these alternatives:

1. Long-Term Rental Properties

• Syracuse allows traditional rental housing
• ADUs permitted with owner-occupancy requirement
• Strong residential rental demand likely due to proximity to Ogden/Layton

2. Agritourism Operations

• Allowed in A-1 zone as major conditional use
• Must be 5+ acres
• Prohibited from overnight stays, but can operate seasonal attractions
• Examples: corn mazes, farmers markets, pick-your-own operations

3. Bed and Breakfast Operations

• Explicitly prohibited in current agritourism framework
• Would require significant municipal code amendment
• High barrier to approval given explicit prohibition

4. Traditional Hospitality Development

• Commercial zoning may allow hotel/motel development
• Would require appropriate zoning and commercial development processes

Important Considerations for Investors

Regulatory Risk

• Current prohibition is explicit and comprehensive
• Any change would require significant political will and public process
• City has demonstrated active zoning regulation through recent amendments

Market Impact

• Syracuse's position creates competitive disadvantage vs. neighboring jurisdictions
• Strong family community orientation supports restrictions
• Recent growth suggests long-term rental demand

Due Diligence Requirements

• Verify current zoning status before any investment
• Monitor city council meetings for potential regulation changes
• Consider adjacent jurisdictions that may allow STRs

Source Links

• Syracuse Municipal Code: www.syracuseut.gov/ (for current ordinances)
• Utah Legislature - STR Regulations: le.utah.gov/xcode/Title17/Chapter50/17-50-S338.html
• Syracuse City Council Meetings: www.syracuseut.gov/ ( agendas and minutes)
• Davis County: www.daviscountyutah.gov/ (for county-level regulations)

Disclaimer: This guide is based on available municipal documents from May 2025. Investors should verify current regulations directly with Syracuse City as municipal codes can change through the legislative process. The explicit prohibition of nightly/weekly rentals represents a significant regulatory barrier that would need to be overcome through municipal code amendment.