Short-Term Rental Laws in St. George, UT (2026)
Short-term rentals (stays of 29 days or less) are legal in St. George only inside city-designated resort/planned-development areas (e.g., Las Palmas, Sports Village and other Green Valley communities, parts of Entrada and The Ledges, and the Desert Color Resort); they are prohibited in single-family residential zones, with a narrow exception for homes on 2+ acres fronting an arterial street. Operators must hold a city Short Term Rental business license (general business license fee $50/year, renewed annually) and collect roughly 13.3% in combined sales and transient room taxes. The single biggest restriction is location: if the property is not on the city's Approved Short Term Rental Properties list, it generally cannot be an STR. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
St. George STR rules at a glance
| Legal status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes |
| Permit name | Short Term Rental Business License (City of St. George business license) |
| Permit fee | $50 |
| Renewal | Annual |
| Owner occupancy required | No |
| Primary residence only | No |
| Total occupancy taxes | ~13.32% of gross revenue |
| Enforcement | The city actively enforces its STR ordinance through the Code Enforcement division (complaint-driven and proactive; enforcement has been sustained since a high-profile 2015 crackdown that ended owner-occupied Airbnb rentals in residential zones, and the ordinance survived a 2016 jury trial challenge). Operating a business, including an STR, without the required license is prosecuted criminally as a class B misdemeanor. Licenses can be denied, suspended, or revoked under code section 3-1-19. The owner and the required 24/7 local property manager are jointly and severally liable for violations of the STR article. Since May 7, 2025, Utah HB 256 (2025) additionally allows the city to use an STR website listing, combined with other supporting information, as evidence of an ordinance violation, strengthening enforcement against unlicensed rentals. |
| Current rules effective | 2019-10-10 |
What will guests pay in taxes on a St. George stay?
Itemized occupancy taxes for St. George, UT — enter your nightly rate to see the real cost breakdown.
St. George occupancy tax calculator
| Gross rent | $450.00 |
| Utah combined state & local sales tax (St. George rate) (6.75%)· collection varies | $30.38 |
| Utah state transient room tax (1.07%)· collection varies | $4.82 |
| Washington County transient room tax (4.5%)· collection varies | $20.25 |
| St. George municipal transient room tax (1%)· collection varies | $4.50 |
| Total tax (13.32%) | $59.94 |
| Guest pays | $509.94 |
Estimate only. Platform collection varies by listing site and agreement; verify rates with the taxing authorities.
Permits & licensing
St. George requires Short Term Rental Business License (City of St. George business license) to operate a short-term rental — the fee is $50, renewed annual.
The FY2026 Master Fee Schedule has no STR-specific line item; the General Business License Fee is $50 annually (a 'Rental Dwelling Business License' is also $50 annually), plus $10 per full-time and $5 per part-time employee (max $350 before late fees) and a $25 late fee after 60 days. Applications are filed through the city's Citizenserve portal, which lists a dedicated 'Short Term Rental' license type. Under city code 3-2V-1, an owner of multiple STR properties needs only one business license covering all of them. Fire Department inspection/approval and planning/zoning approval are part of the application.
Zoning & location rules
STRs are prohibited in single-family residential zones and allowed only in designated areas. The city's Approved Short Term Rental Properties list (updated 06/04/2026) covers: Green Valley (Las Palmas, Point Vista Condos, Sports Village, Estancia, Amira, The Lofts, The Vue, Worldmark/The Resort), Entrada (Shinava Ridge units 24-39 only, The Inn @ Entrada), The Ledges (Escapes, Fairways, Sand Cove), Bloomington Country Club Vacation Villas, Villas at Sun River (per plat), Redhawk, Historic Landmark Properties as approved, and Desert Color (Resort only). Separately, city code 10-17A-13 allows a single-family residence to qualify only if it sits on a lot of 2+ acres, is contiguous to and fronts a major collector or arterial street (66-ft+ right-of-way), and is at least 500 feet from another STR property. Short-term rental of an accessory dwelling unit is not permitted.
Taxes
| Tax | Rate | Who collects |
|---|---|---|
| Utah combined state & local sales tax (St. George rate)Combined sales & use tax rate for St. George (location code 27-020) as of July 1, 2026, applied to lodging stays of 29 nights or less. Airbnb and similar marketplaces collect and remit for their bookings; hosts must register with the Utah State Tax Commission and remit for direct bookings. | 6.75% | varies |
| Utah state transient room taxState TRT rose from 0.32% to 1.07% effective July 1, 2025 (official rate charts). Airbnb collects for its bookings (its help page still cites the old 0.32% figure); hosts remit via form TC-62T for direct bookings. | 1.07% | varies |
| Washington County transient room taxCounty-wide TRT; increased from 4.25% to 4.50% effective July 1, 2026 per the Utah State Tax Commission rate charts (counties may impose up to 4.5% under Utah Code 59-12-301). Platforms collect for marketplace bookings; hosts remit for direct bookings. | 4.5% | varies |
| St. George municipal transient room tax1% municipal TRT under Utah Code 59-12-352, required of all STR properties by city code 3-2V. Combined transient room taxes total 6.57%, on top of 6.75% sales tax (about 13.32% total on lodging). Platforms collect for marketplace bookings; hosts remit for direct bookings. | 1% | varies |
Enforcement & penalties
The city actively enforces its STR ordinance through the Code Enforcement division (complaint-driven and proactive; enforcement has been sustained since a high-profile 2015 crackdown that ended owner-occupied Airbnb rentals in residential zones, and the ordinance survived a 2016 jury trial challenge). Operating a business, including an STR, without the required license is prosecuted criminally as a class B misdemeanor. Licenses can be denied, suspended, or revoked under code section 3-1-19. The owner and the required 24/7 local property manager are jointly and severally liable for violations of the STR article. Since May 7, 2025, Utah HB 256 (2025) additionally allows the city to use an STR website listing, combined with other supporting information, as evidence of an ordinance violation, strengthening enforcement against unlicensed rentals.
Operating without a business license is a class B misdemeanor (under Utah law, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine), prosecuted under city code section 3-1-21. Civil code-enforcement fines for land-use violations run $25-$50 per day, doubling for a second offense and quadrupling for a third offense at the same location within a year, plus reinspection ($50) and administrative hearing ($95) fees. Note: some industry blogs cite a '$750 per day' STR fine for St. George; that figure matches neighboring Washington City's ordinance, not St. George's official fee schedule.
⚠️ HOA/condo rules may prohibit STRs regardless of city law.
Getting legal in St. George: the playbook
Generated from this market's verified rules — each step traces to the sources at the bottom of this page.
- 1
Verify your zoning
Location rules apply: STRs are prohibited in single-family residential zones and allowed only in designated areas. The city's Approved Short Term Rental Properties list (updated 06/04/2026) covers: Green Valley (Las Palmas, Point Vista Condos, Sports Village, Estancia, Amira, The Lofts, The Vue, Worldmark/The Resort), Entrada (Shinava Ridge units 24-39 only, The Inn @ Entrada), The Ledges (Escapes, Fairways, Sand Cove), Bloomington Country Club Vacation Villas, Villas at Sun River (per plat), Redhawk, Historic Landmark Properties as approved, and Desert Color (Resort only). Separately, city code 10-17A-13 allows a single-family residence to qualify only if it sits on a lot of 2+ acres, is contiguous to and fronts a major collector or arterial street (66-ft+ right-of-way), and is at least 500 feet from another STR property. Short-term rental of an accessory dwelling unit is not permitted. Confirm your parcel's zoning with the city before applying.
- 2
Check the covenant layer
HOA/condo rules may prohibit STRs regardless of city law.
- 3
Apply for the Short Term Rental Business License (City of St. George business license)
Budget $50 (annual renewal). The FY2026 Master Fee Schedule has no STR-specific line item; the General Business License Fee is $50 annually (a 'Rental Dwelling Business License' is also $50 annually), plus $10 per full-time and $5 per part-time employee (max $350 before late fees) and a $25 late fee after 60 days. Applications are filed through the city's Citizenserve portal, which lists a dedicated 'Short Term Rental' license type. Under city code 3-2V-1, an owner of multiple STR properties needs only one business license covering all of them. Fire Department inspection/approval and planning/zoning approval are part of the application. Apply through the city — the official application page is linked in the sources below.
- 4
Set up tax collection & remittance
Platforms don't collect everything here: Utah combined state & local sales tax (St. George rate) (6.75%), Utah state transient room tax (1.07%), Washington County transient room tax (4.5%), St. George municipal transient room tax (1%) are remitted by the host. Register with the taxing authority before your first booking and calendar the filing deadlines.
- 5
Calendar the renewal before you forget it
This permit renews annual (budget $50 again). Most cities take weeks to process renewals and don't send reminders — our Host plan emails you at 60/30/7 days out.
- 6
Know the cost of getting it wrong
Operating without a business license is a class B misdemeanor (under Utah law, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine), prosecuted under city code section 3-1-21. Civil code-enforcement fines for land-use violations run $25-$50 per day, doubling for a second offense and quadrupling for a third offense at the same location within a year, plus reinspection ($50) and administrative hearing ($95) fees. Note: some industry blogs cite a '$750 per day' STR fine for St. George; that figure matches neighboring Washington City's ordinance, not St. George's official fee schedule. The city actively enforces its STR ordinance through the Code Enforcement division (complaint-driven and proactive; enforcement has been sustained since a high-profile 2015 crackdown that ended owner-occupied Airbnb rentals in residential zones, and the ordinance survived a 2016 jury trial challenge). Operating a business, including an STR, without the required license is prosecuted criminally as a class B misdemeanor. Licenses can be denied, suspended, or revoked under code section 3-1-19. The owner and the required 24/7 local property manager are jointly and severally liable for violations of the STR article. Since May 7, 2025, Utah HB 256 (2025) additionally allows the city to use an STR website listing, combined with other supporting information, as evidence of an ordinance violation, strengthening enforcement against unlicensed rentals.
Recent rule changes in St. George
July 1, 2026material
Washington County transient room tax increased to 4.50%
The county-wide transient room tax applied to St. George STR stays rose from 4.25% to 4.50% effective July 1, 2026, per the Utah State Tax Commission quarterly rate charts (Q2 2026 chart shows 4.25%; Q3 2026 chart shows 4.50%). Total transient room taxes in St. George are now 6.57% on top of 6.75% sales tax.
Official source →June 4, 2026
City updated Approved Short Term Rental Properties List and Areas Map
St. George published refreshed versions of its Approved Short Term Rental Properties List and STR Approved Areas Map (dated 06/04/2026) on the Business Licensing page; these documents control where STRs may operate.
Official source →July 1, 2025material
Utah state transient room tax increased from 0.32% to 1.07%
The statewide transient room tax on stays under 30 days more than tripled, from 0.32% to 1.07%, effective July 1, 2025 (Q2 2025 rate chart shows 0.32%; Q3 2025 chart shows 1.07%), raising the total tax burden on St. George STR stays.
Official source →May 7, 2025material
Utah HB 256 (2025) strengthened municipal STR enforcement statewide
HB 256 (Municipal and County Zoning Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Neil Walter, R-St. George), effective May 7, 2025, lets a municipality or county that regulates STRs use a listing or offering on a short-term rental website as evidence of an ordinance violation when paired with additional supporting information, easing enforcement against unlicensed STRs in cities like St. George.
Official source →
Frequently asked questions
›Is Airbnb legal in St. George?
Airbnb is legal in St. George, UT, but with significant restrictions — check the zoning and eligibility rules on this page before listing. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
›Do I need a permit for a short-term rental in St. George?
Yes. St. George requires a Short Term Rental Business License (City of St. George business license) to operate a short-term rental, which costs $50 and must be renewed every year. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
›How much does a St. George short-term rental permit cost?
The Short Term Rental Business License (City of St. George business license) costs $50 (annual renewal). The FY2026 Master Fee Schedule has no STR-specific line item; the General Business License Fee is $50 annually (a 'Rental Dwelling Business License' is also $50 annually), plus $10 per full-time and $5 per part-time employee (max $350 before late fees) and a $25 late fee after 60 days. Applications are filed through the city's Citizenserve portal, which lists a dedicated 'Short Term Rental' license type. Under city code 3-2V-1, an owner of multiple STR properties needs only one business license covering all of them. Fire Department inspection/approval and planning/zoning approval are part of the application.
›Can I Airbnb a non-primary residence in St. George?
Yes — St. George does not limit short-term rentals to primary residences. Zoning and other restrictions may still apply. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
›What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in St. George?
Hosts in St. George are subject to: Utah combined state & local sales tax (St. George rate) (6.75%), Utah state transient room tax (1.07%), Washington County transient room tax (4.5%), St. George municipal transient room tax (1%) — roughly 13.32% total on gross rental revenue. Platforms like Airbnb collect some of these automatically; check each line's collection method on this page.
›What happens if I operate a short-term rental illegally in St. George?
Operating without a business license is a class B misdemeanor (under Utah law, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine), prosecuted under city code section 3-1-21. Civil code-enforcement fines for land-use violations run $25-$50 per day, doubling for a second offense and quadrupling for a third offense at the same location within a year, plus reinspection ($50) and administrative hearing ($95) fees. Note: some industry blogs cite a '$750 per day' STR fine for St. George; that figure matches neighboring Washington City's ordinance, not St. George's official fee schedule. The city actively enforces its STR ordinance through the Code Enforcement division (complaint-driven and proactive; enforcement has been sustained since a high-profile 2015 crackdown that ended owner-occupied Airbnb rentals in residential zones, and the ordinance survived a 2016 jury trial challenge). Operating a business, including an STR, without the required license is prosecuted criminally as a class B misdemeanor. Licenses can be denied, suspended, or revoked under code section 3-1-19. The owner and the required 24/7 local property manager are jointly and severally liable for violations of the STR article. Since May 7, 2025, Utah HB 256 (2025) additionally allows the city to use an STR website listing, combined with other supporting information, as evidence of an ordinance violation, strengthening enforcement against unlicensed rentals.
St. George's STR rules changed 4 times recently.
Get an email the moment St. George changes its short-term rental rules — plus renewal reminders before your permit expires.
Watch St. George for changes →Free monthly digest · same-day alerts from $5/mo · cancel anytime
Related
Nearby covered markets
- Las Vegas, NVPrimary residence only
- Clark County, NVRestricted
- Sedona, AZPermit required
- Moab, UTRestricted
- Yucca Valley, CAPermit required
Sources
- St. George City Code, Title 3, Ch. 2, Art. V - Short Term Residential Rental Propertiesretrieved July 11, 2026
- St. George City Code § 10-17A-13 - Short-Term Residential Rental, Specific Standardsretrieved July 11, 2026
- City of St. George - Business Licensing (STR approved properties list & map, checklists)retrieved July 11, 2026
- City of St. George - Approved Short Term Rental Properties List (updated 06/04/2026)retrieved July 11, 2026
- City of St. George - Code Enforcement (STR designated-areas statement)retrieved July 11, 2026
- City of St. George - FY26 Master Fee Schedule (approved 09/25/2025)retrieved July 11, 2026
- Utah State Tax Commission - Other Sales Tax Rates and Fees (transient room taxes), effective July 1, 2026retrieved July 11, 2026
- Airbnb Help Center - Occupancy tax collection and remittance by Airbnb in Utahretrieved July 11, 2026
This page is informational only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules change and enforcement varies — verify current requirements with St. George and a qualified professional before operating.