Washington, Utah Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Executive Overview

Short-term rentals are allowed in Washington, UT, but with significant restrictions and requirements. Washington City operates a permitted zoning system where STRs are only allowed in specific, pre-approved subdivisions. In unincorporated Washington County, STRs are permitted county-wide but require a separate county license. Both jurisdictions have implemented comprehensive regulatory frameworks to ensure safety, compliance, and neighborhood compatibility.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Washington?

Washington hosts earn a median $40,487/year with $235 ADR and 53% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $52,988+ per year.

See the full Washington market breakdown

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Washington, UT

City vs. County Jurisdiction

Washington, UT operates under two regulatory systems:

Washington City: STRs only permitted in designated subdivisions with both city business licensing and fire safety compliance
Unincorporated Washington County: STRs permitted county-wide with county licensing and building code compliance

Initial Steps

Verify Zoning Eligibility: Confirm your property location allows STR use
Determine Required Licenses: City business license for designated subdivisions; county license for unincorporated areas
Complete Pre-Application Assessment: Review building code requirements, occupancy limits, and safety standards
Secure Professional Representation: Consider hiring local property management familiar with Washington regulations

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Washington City Requirements

Business License: Required for each STR unit in approved subdivisions

Application through Washington City Business License Department
Must be obtained before operating any STR

Fire Safety Compliance:

Annual fire department inspection mandatory for all STRs
Fire suppression sprinklers required for occupancies of 11+ people
No sprinklers required for 10 or fewer occupants

Property Management Requirements:

Single point of contact residing on-property or within Washington County
Washington City property management business license required for management companies
24/7 availability requirement for local contact

Documentation Requirements:

Proof of transient occupancy tax compliance
Building code compliance verification
Insurance with landlord endorsement allowing STRs
Good Neighbor Brochure display

Washington County Requirements

Short-Term Rental License: Required for all STRs in unincorporated areas

Annual renewal required
10-14 business day processing period
$160 application fee for existing dwellings

Required Documentation:

Owner Occupied Primary Residential Exemption application
Short-Term Rental Business License Application
Site plan of property
Septic permit documentation
Current photos of dwelling
Proof of insurance with landlord endorsement
Good Neighbor Brochure

Building Code Compliance:

Health and Safety Check may be required by county building inspector
Current building code compliance mandatory

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Washington City STR Regulations

Permitted Locations: Only approved subdivisions may operate STRs

Casitas at Sienna Hills (with specific exceptions)
Coral Ridge Townhomes (with specific exceptions)
Cottages at Stucki Farms
Escondido at Sienna Hills
Freedom Village
Ladera at Sienna Hills
The Eighth at Coral Canyon
Town Center at Coral Canyon
Vida Sol Vacation Townhomes
Paseos at Sienna Hills
Skyline at Long Valley

Special Exceptions for Casitas at Sienna Hills:

No nightly rentals allowed in units 18-27 and 77-86
Complete perimeter wall required around parcel 3
Garages must remain open for vehicle parking only
Renters must park in garages, assigned spaces, or driveways (no street parking)
Unit owners limited to one unit ownership
Maximum 10 occupants per unit
Noise ordinance compliance mandatory
Written rental contracts detailing guidelines required

Coral Ridge Townhomes Exceptions:

Property management companies must designate single point of contact within Washington County

HOA Responsibilities (PUD Ordinance 2020-06):

Provide single point of contact within Washington County
Address all guest-related disturbances
Ensure current business licenses for all STR units
Coordinate annual fire department inspections

Enforcement and Penalties:

30-day correction period for violations
$750 per day fines after correction period
License suspension after 3+ violations within one year
Recent ordinance took effect March 2025

Washington County STR Regulations

Definition: Property occupied for 29 consecutive calendar days or less for compensation

Operational Requirements:

Annual license renewal mandatory
Compliance with building codes and health standards
Display of Good Neighbor Brochure alongside licenses
Owner/property manager contact information posted

Safety Standards:

Health and Safety Check by building inspector
Current building code compliance
Adequate insurance coverage with landlord endorsement

Fee Structure:

$160 application fee for existing dwellings
Includes Health and Safety Check
Fee waiver possible if dwelling under construction with proper permits

State-Level Utah Regulations

HB 256 (2025 Legislative Session)

Allows cities to use official listing websites to track STR violations
Enables enforcement based on online advertising violations
Provides additional tools for monitoring compliance

Transient Room Tax

State-level transient room tax requirements apply
Local tax compliance verification required for licensing

Contact Information

Washington City

Address: 111 North 100 East, Washington, UT 84780 Phone: (435) 656-6300 Email: [email protected] Website: washingtonutah.gov

Business License Department: washingtoncity.org/business Planning & Zoning: washingtonutah.gov/development/planningandzoning

Washington County

Community Development Department Address: 111 East Tabernacle St., St. George, UT 84770 Phone: (435) 301-7250 Website: washco.utah.gov/departments/community-development

County Administration Address: 111 East Tabernacle St., St. George, UT 84770 Phone: (435) 301-7000

Source Links

Washington City STR Information: washingtonutah.gov/development/planningandzoning/shorttermrentals
Washington County STR License: www.washco.utah.gov/departments/community-development/short-term-rental-license/
Washington City Business License: washingtoncity.org/services/businesslicense
Washington County Zoning Information: www.washco.utah.gov/departments/community-development/zoning-info/
Zoning Districts Map: www.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?webmap=1532fedcb4c540b98d74c4798f6cd487
Approved Subdivisions Map: www.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?webmap=11cce7e066344740813788c553001cd9
Washington County STR Application: www.washco.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/comdev-short-term-rental-application.pdf
Good Neighbor Brochure: www.washco.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/comdev-good-neighbor-brochure.pdf

Key Compliance Timeline

Application Processing: 10-14 business days (county); varies (city)
Fire Inspection: Annual requirement
License Renewal: Annual for both jurisdictions
Violation Correction Period: 30 days
License Suspension: After 3+ violations within one year

Investment Considerations

High-Risk Factors:

Limited approved subdivisions in Washington City
Strict enforcement with significant daily fines
Recent regulatory tightening (2025)
Mandatory local contact requirements
Building code compliance verification

Success Factors:

Professional property management with local presence
Proactive compliance monitoring
Adequate insurance coverage
Good neighbor relations and communication
Regular maintenance and safety updates

Washington's regulatory environment requires significant upfront compliance investment but provides clear pathways for legal operation in designated areas. Investors should prioritize professional local guidance and maintain active compliance programs to avoid substantial penalties and license suspension.

Next step

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Ask the AI Advisor about Washington

Washington is a growing city in Washington County, in the southwestern corner of Utah, with a population of roughly 27,000 residents. Set in the red-rock high desert on the eastern edge of the Mojave region, the city enjoys a warm, sun-drenched climate that draws snowbirds, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. Washington sits just east of St. George and is frequently used as a base for travelers heading to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the American Southwest, most notably Zion National Park. It lies approximately 120 miles northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada, making it a quieter, scenery-rich alternative to the Nevada resort corridor.

The headline attraction within easy reach is Zion National Park, a drive of roughly 45 minutes to an hour northeast of Washington. Zion's towering sandstone cliffs, the narrow walls of the Narrows, and the deep canyon carved by the Virgin River make it one of the most visited national parks in the country. Visitors come for day hikes, backcountry treks, and the park's iconic shuttle system, and many choose to stay in the Washington–St. George area to combine the park with the comfort of city amenities.

Closer to town, Snow Canyon State Park lies about 15 to 20 minutes north of Washington. The park features red and white Navajo sandstone cliffs, ancient lava tubes, soft sand dunes, and stretches of petrified sand, all within a compact footprint that is popular for hiking, rock climbing, and casual camping. Because of its proximity and year-round accessibility, Snow Canyon is a favorite for both locals and visitors looking for a quieter, less-crowded alternative to the national parks.

About 15 minutes west of Washington, the larger city of St. George offers a walkable historic downtown, the Brigham Young Winter Home and other pioneer-era sites, a growing dining scene, and the Tuacahn Amphitheatre, which stages Broadway musicals and concerts in a striking red-rock canyon setting. Together with Washington, St. George forms the cultural and economic heart of the county, giving visitors an easy mix of small-city comforts and natural attractions.

A bit farther afield, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is roughly a three-and-a-half-hour drive south, while Las Vegas and its international airport sit about two hours to the southwest, making Washington a practical jumping-off point for travelers combining multiple destinations in a single trip.

Washington's combination of mild winters, low humidity, and quick access to Zion, Snow Canyon, and the larger St. George metro area makes it a natural fit for short-term rentals. Guests are drawn by the national park proximity, the abundance of outdoor recreation in every direction, and the relaxed desert-town feel, all of which support steady demand across both peak and shoulder seasons.

Washington, Utah

Challenging To Investors

STR Regulations for Washington, Utah