Overview: Short-Term Rentals are ALLOWED in Torrey, UT

Short-term rentals are explicitly permitted in Torrey, Utah under specific regulations and licensing requirements. The Torrey Town Council approved a revision to their Short-Term Rental Ordinance on September 11, 2025, which provides a clear regulatory framework for STR operations within town boundaries. Investors should note that Torrey operates under a mixed regulatory approach—while owner-occupied STRs have no numerical limits, non-owner occupied STRs are capped at the number of existing licensed businesses, and all STRs require annual licensing, safety inspections, and compliance with local ordinances.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Torrey

Initial Setup Process

1. Determine Your STR Type: Decide between owner-occupied (you reside in the property during rentals) or non-owner occupied (investment property)

2. Verify Zoning Compliance: Ensure your property isn't subject to deed restrictions, covenants, or other limitations that prohibit STR use

3. Submit License Application: Complete the Torrey Town STR business license application with all required documentation

4. Schedule Required Inspections: Arrange for Wayne County Fire Marshal or building inspector evaluation

5. Set Up Tax Collection Systems: Implement processes for collecting and remitting lodging and sales taxes

6. Designate Local Contact: Identify and register a local responsible contact person if you won't be locally available

Timeline Considerations

• Application Review: Applications are reviewed prior to licensing, with final approval by Torrey Town Council
• License Term: Annual licenses with February 1st renewal date
• Inspection Timeline: Annual inspections with 90-day remediation period (with possible 1-month extension)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Business License Requirements

Short-Term Rental Business License (Required)

• Annual fee: $225.00 (same for owner-occupied and non-owner occupied)
• One-year license term with February 1st renewal date
• License must be displayed and available for inspection

Application Documentation

Complete Application Package Must Include:

• Property owner's name, address, email, and telephone
• Proof of ownership documentation
• STR property address
• Maximum occupancy calculations
• Owner representative and emergency contact information
• Detailed parking plan for guests
• Fire/disaster escape plan for guests
• Acknowledgment of tax payment responsibilities
• Local, State, and Federal tax ID numbers

Owner-Occupied STR Specific Requirements

• Primary Residence Affidavit: Required documentation establishing domicile
• Residency Proof: Must provide voter registration in Wayne County, Utah AND at least one of: Utah motor vehicle registration, Utah driver's license, Utah State ID, or tax documents

Non-Owner Occupied STR Additional Requirements

• Business License Availability: Must verify license availability (capped number exists)
• Building Permit Compliance: For new construction, building permit must be obtained within 90 days of license granting
• Construction Timeline: Full STR compliance required within 90 days of occupancy permit

Safety and Compliance Documentation

Life Safety Systems Required:

• Carbon monoxide detectors (International Building Code compliant)
• Smoke detectors throughout property
• ABC chemical fire extinguishers (easily accessible and identifiable locations)
• Emergency contact information posted in unit with registered phone number

Required Plans:

• Parking Plan: Must accommodate at least one vehicle per bedroom, no street parking allowed
• Fire/Disaster Escape Plan: Required for all guests
• Emergency Contact Registration: Phone number must be registered with Wayne County Code Red alert system

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Torrey Regulations

Operational Limitations:

• Occupancy Limits: Maximum 2 occupants per legitimate bedroom plus 2 additional occupants
• Rental Period: Each rental term must be fewer than 30 consecutive days
• Use Restrictions: STRs may only be used for lodging/sleeping purposes—no weddings, banquets, receptions, parties, concerts, fundraisers, or similar group activities permitted
• Signage: Maximum one sign not exceeding 2 square feet showing property name/address
• Camping Ban: No tent or RV camping allowed during rental periods
• One Per Lot: Maximum one STR per lot (existing multiple STRs on single lot may continue until license lapse of 1+ years)

Geographic and Density Controls:

• Deed Restriction Compliance: STRs prohibited if inconsistent with existing property restrictions
• Non-Owner Occupied Cap: Total number limited to existing licensed businesses at ordinance enactment (specific number appears as "XX" in ordinance)
• No Annual Night Limits: Licensed STRs have no limit on nights of use per year

Administrative Requirements:

• License Transfer: Non-transferable—automatically terminates with property ownership change
• New Ownership Application: Must reapply within 90 days of conveyance
• Change of Ownership Notification: Required for any transfer of title

Wayne County Regulations

Fire and Safety Inspection Requirements:

• Annual inspection by Wayne County Fire Marshal or local building inspector required
• 90-day remediation period for deficiencies (1-month extension possible with Town Council approval)
• Compliance with current International Building Code/International Residential Code required

Emergency Notification Systems:

• Local contact phone number must be registered with Wayne County Code Red alert system
• Emergency contact must be independently associated with STR ownership

State of Utah Regulations

Taxation Requirements:

• Lodging Tax: Must collect and remit to appropriate agencies
• Sales Tax: Required collection and remittance to state
• Transient Room Tax (TRT): Municipalities may impose up to 1%, counties up to 4.25%
• Resort Community Tax (RCT): May apply if transient room capacity ≥ 66% of permanent population

State Law Protections:

• Municipalities cannot prohibit individual STR listings on websites
• Cannot fine, charge, prosecute, or punish solely for listing/offering STRs online
• Communities may still educate operators on compliance requirements
• Local ordinances still enforceable for non-online violations

Contact Information for Local STR Authorities

Torrey Town Hall

Primary Contact

• Address: P.O. Box 750027, 100 North 75 East, Torrey, Utah 84775
• Phone: (435) 425-3600
• Fax: (435) 425-3603
• Website: www.torreyutah.gov

Licensing Official

• Designation: Town Clerk or designated officer(s)
• Role: Primary point of contact for STR license applications, renewals, and compliance
• Authority: License suspension/revocation for non-compliance

Wayne County Offices

Fire Marshal's Office

• Contact: For annual fire safety inspections
• Required: STR property inspections and compliance verification

Building Inspector

• Contact: For building code compliance reviews
• Required: New STR construction permits and existing property evaluations

Appeals Process

Torrey Town Council

• Role: Designated appeals authority for license decisions
• Process: Written appeal within 30 days of licensing official action
• Authority: Review and determination of license appeals

Source Links

Primary Legal Documents

• Torrey Town Ordinance Chapter 4: Short-Term Rental Properties (September 2025 Revision): secure.utah.gov/pmn-admin/files/1319711.pdf
• Torrey Town STR Information Page: www.torreyutah.gov/news/short-term-rental-str-ordinance-draft-proposed-for-adoption-at-town-council-meeting-9-11-2025

Supporting Resources

• Utah Short-Term Rental Policy & Best Practices Guide (2023): luau.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/Short-Term-Rentals-Guide-2-2023-Update-WEB.pdf

Additional References

• Torrey Town Official Website: www.torreyutah.gov
• Utah Community Development Office Toolbox: jobs.utah.gov/housing/community/planning/toolbox.html

This guide is based on Torrey, Utah ordinances and Utah state regulations as of September 2025. STR regulations can change, and investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions.