West Valley City Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in West Valley City, Utah?

West Valley City has limited regulations specific to short term rentals. The city municipal code does not explicitly prohibit short term rentals or require special licensing.1

However, in August 2019 West Valley City enacted ordinance 19-26 which amended regulations governing dwelling units and occupancy limits. This places some restrictions on the number of guests allowed in a rental property based on factors like number of bedrooms and parking spaces.2

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in West Valley City

If you're interested in starting a short-term rental business in West Valley City, Utah, you're in luck. The city has no ordinance regulating or explicitly prohibiting the use of services like Airbnb and VRBO to rent property15. This means that there are no specific licensing requirements or documents needed to operate a short-term rental in West Valley City25. However, it's important to familiarize yourself with the local zoning and land use regulations to ensure compliance5.

To get started, follow these steps:

1. Research zoning and check if homeowner association rules prohibit short-term rentals.

2. Ensure your property meets safety standards and acquire any needed inspections or permits.

3. List your property on sites like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com.

4.Collect and remit required taxes on rental income.

5. Respond quickly to neighbor concerns to prevent future regulations5.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in West Valley City

In West Valley City, Utah, there are no specific licensing requirements for operating a short-term rental (STR) business. The city does not have an ordinance regulating or explicitly prohibiting the use of services like Airbnb and VRBO to rent property3. Additionally, the city does not require a business license for each individual STR; only one business license is needed, regardless of the number of properties being rented out2. As of now, there is no specific permit or registration required to operate an STR in West Valley City6.

While there are no explicit licensing requirements, it's important to ensure compliance with other regulations and tax obligations. For example, short-term rental hosts are required to pay all applicable federal, state, and local taxes, including federal income tax, Utah state sales tax, and West Valley City transient room tax6. Additionally, it's advisable to have standard documents on hand, such as a rental contract/lease agreement, proof of ownership, and a business license if operating multiple rental properties6.

Overall, the lack of red tape makes West Valley City an Airbnb-friendly location compared to other cities, as there are currently no specific regulations in place, indicating a relatively lenient approach to STRs6. However, it's important to stay informed about any changes in regulations, as the information may be subject to constant updates due to the evolving nature of short-term rental regulations in each market3.

Required Documents for West Valley City Short Term Rentals

In West Valley City, Utah, the standard documents required for short-term rentals include5:

Rental Contract/Lease Agreement: A formal agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the rental.

Proof of Ownership: Documentation establishing the host's ownership of the property.

Business License (if applicable): If operating multiple rental properties, a business license may be required.

These documents are essential for ensuring compliance with local regulations and establishing the legal and financial framework for the short-term rental business. Hosts should also be aware of the need to pay all applicable federal, state, and local taxes, including transient room tax, on their rental income5.

By having these documents in place, hosts can demonstrate the legitimacy of their short-term rental operations and provide a secure and transparent experience for their guests. It's important to review the specific requirements and seek legal or professional advice to ensure full compliance with the regulations in West Valley City, Utah.

West Valley City Short Term Rental Taxes

In West Valley City, Utah, short-term rental hosts are required to pay a transient room tax of 3.5% of the rental revenue2. This tax is applicable to all short-term rental properties and is in addition to federal income tax and Utah state sales tax. The transient room tax is a local tax imposed on the revenue generated from short-term rentals, and it is important for hosts to ensure compliance with this requirement to avoid any potential penalties or legal issues.

The transient room tax is a significant consideration for individuals operating short-term rentals in West Valley City, as it directly impacts the overall revenue generated from the property. Hosts should factor in this tax when determining the pricing strategy for their rentals to accurately reflect the total cost to guests.

Utah wide Short Term Rental Rules

In Utah, short-term rental regulations vary by city, with some cities having specific ordinances and licensing requirements, while others have more lenient approaches. Here's a summary of the statewide short-term rental rules in Utah:

• Some cities in Utah prohibit using services like Airbnb and VRBO to rent property, but many others do not have such ordinances3.
• West Valley City, for example, does not have any ordinances that prohibit short-term rentals in specific zones2.
• Licenses are required to own and operate an short-term rental in some cities, though zoning ordinances restrict STRs in many residential areas2.
• The city of Provo has temporary rental ordinances that do not require a business license for an STR if the property owner is absent for three years or less2.
• Logan, Utah, makes distinctions between three types of short-term rentals and has specific regulations for each type2.

In conclusion, Utah's short-term rental rules differ significantly by city, with some areas having more restrictive regulations and others taking a more lenient approach. It is essential for property owners and hosts to research and understand the specific regulations in their area before operating a short-term rental property.

Does West Valley City strictly enforce STR rules?

West Valley City takes a relatively permissive approach to short-term rental (STR) regulations. Unlike some neighboring cities, West Valley City does not have specific ordinances prohibiting or restricting STRs in particular zones4. As a result, there is little enforcement activity regarding STRs in the city4. This leniency makes West Valley City an Airbnb-friendly location compared to other cities4. The lack of red tape and the absence of specific regulations indicate that the city is open to short-term rentals4. While some cities in Utah have implemented stricter regulations due to the growing number of short-term rentals9, West Valley City has not followed suit, making it a potentially attractive location for individuals interested in operating STRs.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in West Valley City?

Starting a short-term rental business in West Valley City, Utah, is a straightforward process due to the lack of specific regulations targeting short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO3. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Research zoning and check for homeowner association rules: Ensure that your property is located in an area where short-term rentals are allowed and that homeowner association rules do not prohibit them3.

2. Ensure property meets safety standards and acquire any needed inspections or permits: Make sure your property meets safety requirements and obtain any necessary inspections or permits3.

3. List property on sites like Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com: Create listings on popular short-term rental platforms to reach potential guests3.

4. Collect and remit required taxes on rental income: Be aware of any taxes associated with short-term rentals in West Valley City and ensure that you collect and remit them on your rental income3.

5. Respond quickly to neighbor concerns: Be proactive in addressing any concerns or issues that may arise from neighbors to prevent future regulations3.

Who to contact in West Valley City about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

For questions on zoning and land use regulations related to short term rentals in West Valley City, contact:Planning & Zoning Division
Phone: (801) 963-3282
Email: planning@wvc-ut.gov5

What do Airbnb hosts in West Valley City on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Most West Valley City hosts seem satisfied with the current lack of regulations, though some express concern new rules could be coming:

"No issues so far, much better than Salt Lake City!"3

"I think the city will eventually try to regulate Airbnb more but for now it's smooth sailing."4