Many people ask us about the legality of Airbnb in St. George, Utah, and the answer is often
disappointing. St. George Utah enforces strict vacation rental laws that can result in substantial
fines and legal trouble for homeowners who attempt to list their properties on platforms like Airbnb
or VRBO without proper adherence to regulations.
Vacation Rentals and Zoning in St. George, Utah
In St. George, short-term residential rentals are generally prohibited in residential zones, mobile
home zones, agricultural zones, and residential plan development zones. According to the St. George City Business Licensing Department, there are exceptions,
primarily related to planned development zones, which include communities with over a hundred units,
offering amenities like golf courses, tennis or pickleball courts, and pools with clubhouses.
Examples of such exceptions include popular areas like Sports Village and Las Palmas in the Green
Valley region.
Another limited exception allows short-term rentals in residential areas, but the criteria are
stringent. Homeowners can host Airbnb guests if their lot size exceeds two acres, they secure
written consent from all neighbors within 300 feet, obtain a business license, and meet strict
parking requirements. However, it's doubtful that every Airbnb host in the area complies with these
rules.
Neighboring Areas with More Lenient Rules
For those interested in vacation rentals, it's worth exploring neighboring areas like Hurricane,
Washington, Santa Clara, and Ivins. These cities have more relaxed short-term rental laws and even
communities designed specifically for vacation rentals. The Utah State Legislature regularly reviews legislation that may change the landscape of short-term rentals in Utah.
Explore Utah Real Estate

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Hurricane City, Utah: Hurricane City allows short-term rentals in residential zones
but with a cap of 48 rentals for the entire city and a waiting list for permits. This waiting list
is very long. Several communities, such as Elim Valley, Dunes at Sand Hollow, and Copper Rock, are
zoned for vacation rentals.
Washington City, Utah: Washington City does not permit short-term rentals in
residential zones, and code enforcement monitors Airbnb listings. However, this may change if new
legislation passes. Some vacation rental communities, like Freedom Village and those in Coral
Canyon, can be found here.
Santa Clara City, Utah: Santa City also restricts short-term rentals in residential
zones and monitors Airbnb listings to enforce restrictions. Popular vacation rental communities
include Paradise Village, Arcadia, and Ocotillo Springs.
More Properties You Might Like

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6668 S 3200 W, Spanish Fork, UT
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Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Square feet: 2,560 sqft
Owning a Vacation Rental in Southern Utah
While local regulations may seem daunting, many cities have been allowing large vacation rental
communities to thrive. These communities often offer attractive amenities like water parks,
pickleball courts, and playgrounds, giving your vacation rental an edge over traditional homes.
Furthermore, homes within these communities are zoned for vacation rentals, providing peace of mind
for property owners."
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