Short-term rentals are allowed in West Jordan, UT. The city’s municipal code explicitly defines and regulates short-term rentals (STRs) and requires a dedicated STR license, neighbor notification, on‑site parking, and compliance with ongoing licensing and tax obligations. BuildYourBnb’s “banned” claim is outdated; see the 2025 City Code and 2025 ordinance amendments confirming legal operation under West Jordan City Code Title 4, Chapter 2, Article R.

How to Start an STR Business in West Jordan

• Confirm zoning eligibility. STRs are a defined use in city code. Before acquiring or converting a property, verify it is allowed in its zoning district (contact Planning & Zoning or review city zoning maps).
• Prepare the STR application:
  • All applications must be signed by the residential landlord (owner or authorized designee).
  • You must provide written notice to all property owners within 100 feet of your intent to operate an STR. The notice must reference the applicable code section, include your phone number and email, and include West Jordan Code Enforcement’s phone number.
• Submit application and fees to Business Licensing (online portal or in person). The application is a general business license plus the STR license. The current STR license fee is $325 per rental unit.
• Publish the license number in every online listing.
• Ensure on‑site parking at all times; parking for STR guests may not use public rights‑of‑way.
• Register for and remit all taxes due to the City prior to each license renewal.

Good Landlord Program (optional, fee discount):

• Consider applying to the Good Landlord Program for a reduced per‑rental‑unit fee. Requirements include:
  • Completing a city‑approved 4‑hour training (renew every 4 years).
  • Providing owner contact information and a complete list of rental units within the city.
  • Meeting tenant screening and lease obligations; maintaining off‑street parking and landscaping; keeping records for inspections.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• General business license (all residential landlords; owner/authorized designee sign).
• STR license application signed by the residential landlord; fee due at application/renewal.
• 100‑foot neighbor notice (written) with required content before license issuance.
• Current list of all rental units owned/operated within the city and all owner contact information.
• Proof of parking arrangements; parking must be on‑site and available at all times.
• City‑approved 4‑hour training certificate (if applying for the Good Landlord Program).
• Compliance with West Jordan City Code (Title 4, Chapter 2, Article R) and applicable building, fire, health, and zoning regulations.
• Remittance of all taxes due prior to license renewal.

Cost snapshot (subject to the Consolidated Fee Schedule):

• General business license: applicable per the Consolidated Fee Schedule.
• STR license fee: $325 per rental unit.
• Good Landlord Program (if applicable): discounted per‑rental‑unit fee (see fee schedule for current rate).

City, County, and State Regulations (West Jordan and Utah)

West Jordan STR regulations (municipal):

• Definitions and licensing framework: City Code Title 4, Chapter 2, Article R, as amended by Ordinance No. 25‑16 (adopted April 22, 2025; effective immediately upon publication/signatures).
• Short‑term rental definition: a dwelling (or portion thereof) available for lodging of guests paying a fee for fewer than 30 consecutive days.
• STRs allowed if:
  • Dwelling is available for lodging for fewer than 30 consecutive days.
  • Parking areas and access are maintained at all times; parking must be on‑site and not on public rights‑of‑way.
  • Application for STR license is signed by the residential landlord.
  • License fee is paid per the Consolidated Fee Schedule.
  • The license number is displayed in all online listings.
  • Written notice is provided to all property owners within 100 feet, including the code reference, your phone/email, and the City’s Code Enforcement phone number.
  • All taxes due are remitted prior to renewal.
• Inspections and records:
  • Licensed premises are subject to inspection by the City.
  • Residential landlords must maintain rental applications and records; for Good Landlord Program participants, proof of training must be provided at renewal.
• Additional grounds for denial, revocation, or suspension include failure to pay fees, noncompliance with planning approvals, violations of city/county/state/federal regulations, fraud/deceit in licensing, refusal of inspections, vicarious liability for violations, and multiple law enforcement/code enforcement cases at a property within 12 months.
• Real property maintenance and landscaping:
  • All rental properties must be maintained to prevent fire hazards, vermin, pollutants, and ensure lawful waste disposal and security of vacant structures.
  • Rental dwelling units must maintain front yard landscaping per city standards (with a potential waiver process through the Zoning Administrator).

Utah state-level overview (informational only; not a city requirement):

• Utah has adopted statewide framework definitions and short‑term rental registration requirements (reference: Utah Code § 10‑1‑203.5), which West Jordan’s definitions mirror.

Local Authority Contacts

• Business Licensing (applications and fees):
  • Portal: permit.westjordan.utah.gov/CityworksPortal-LIVE/login
  • Phone: 801‑569‑5000
• Planning & Zoning (zoning and land use questions):
  • Web: www.westjordan.utah.gov/planning-zoning/
  • Phone: 801‑569‑5000
• Code Enforcement (neighbor notices and complaint handling):
  • Phone: 801‑569‑5000 (main City line; ask for Code Enforcement)
• City Recorder’s Office (ordinances and public records):
  • Address: 8000 S Redwood Rd, West Jordan, UT 84088
  • Phone: 801‑569‑5116
  • Email: tangee.sloan@westjordan.utah.gov
• Good Landlord Program (optional):
  • Web: www.westjordan.utah.gov/finance-department/good-landlord-program/
  • Phone: 801‑569‑5000

Source Links

• City Code and fee schedule amendments (Ordinance No. 25‑16): www.westjordan.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ordinance-No.-25-16-City-Code-Text-Amendment-for-Good-Landlord-and-STR-signed.pdf
• Adopted Ordinances index (official publication record): www.westjordan.utah.gov/city-recorder/adopted-ordinances/
• Rental Dwelling Application (Business Licensing portal): www.westjordan.utah.gov/finance-department/business-licensing/rental-dwelling-application/
• Business Licensing online portal: permit.westjordan.utah.gov/CityworksPortal-LIVE/login
• City Code library (municipal code search): codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/westjordanut/latest/overview
• Good Landlord Program overview: www.westjordan.utah.gov/finance-department/good-landlord-program/

Investor guidance

• Treat licensing and compliance as a disciplined, repeatable process:
  • Verify zoning early (pre‑acquisition).
  • Prepare and retain the 100‑foot neighbor notice and property list.
  • Build a checklist for on‑site parking, license number in all listings, and tax remittance timing.
  • Consider the Good Landlord Program for fee savings and compliance benefits.
  • Keep thorough records and schedules for training renewals, inspections, and taxes to avoid denial/suspension triggers.