Garden City, Utah, may be small in size, but it’s big on opportunity, especially for vacation rental owners. But before listing your private property, it’s essential to understand that Garden City Vacation Rental Regulations are strictly enforced to protect both homeowners and guests. From annual inspections and licensing to the city’s well-known 30-minute local contact rule, every requirement plays a role in keeping operations safe and compliant.
In this guide, we’ll break down what property owners need to know about Garden City’s vacation rental regulations, including required permits, annual fees, local taxes, and the rules that keep this lakeside community running smoothly.
*Please note that the following information is provided for general guidance and should not be considered legal advice. Regulations can change, so we recommend verifying all requirements directly with Garden City officials, Rich County, or the Utah State Tax Commission before applying or operating a short-term rental.
Why Short-Term Rental Compliance Matters
Garden City’s vacation rental regulations are designed to protect everyone involved. Each rule supports three main goals:
- Guest Safety: Annual inspections and clearly marked emergency information ensure that every property meets fire and safety standards.
- Neighborhood Harmony: Noise limits, parking regulations, and waste disposal guidelines ensure the community remains welcoming for both visitors and residents.
- Fair Tax Collection: Lodging taxes fund local services and infrastructure, helping sustain tourism and keep Garden City thriving.
Required Licenses & Short-Term Rental Permits
To legally operate a short-term rental in Garden City, property owners must obtain two separate approvals:
- A Valid Business License — Filling out a business license application is required for all rental properties operating within city limits.
- A Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit — verifies that your property meets zoning, safety, and occupancy standards.
Both are issued by the Town of Garden City and must be renewed annually to remain valid. Property owners working with a professional management company must ensure that both the company and the property itself are properly licensed.
Before approval or renewal, every short-term rental must undergo an annual fire inspection conducted by the Garden City Fire Chief. If you’ve made upgrades or changes to your property (such as adding rooms or remodeling), a safety inspection from the city’s code enforcement officer may also be required.
Once approved, your official STR license, including your permit number, maximum occupancy, and emergency contact, must be displayed inside the vacation home rental in a visible location.
Short-Term Rental Fees & Taxes
Garden City short-term rentals operate under a yearly licensing system with fees determined by both the property’s location and management structure.
Garden City (City Limits)
- $1,200 annually for properties that have never been licensed before and are not managed by a licensed property management company.
- $960 annually for properties managed by a licensed property management company.
Rich County (Outside City Limits)
- $15 per occupancy count (based on the property’s maximum allowed guests).
These fees must be renewed annually, along with your business license and STR permit. Delays or missed payments can temporarily suspend your ability to rent your property.
Taxes
All short-term rental operators are responsible for collecting and remitting lodging and sales taxes to the appropriate authorities. This typically includes:
- Utah State Sales Tax
- Rich County Lodging Tax
- Garden City Transient Room Tax (if within city limits)
Because tax rates and filing requirements can change, it’s best to confirm current rates with the Utah State Tax Commission, your property management company, or a professional accountant. Keeping organized, detailed records of all taxes collected and paid helps protect you in the event of an audit or compliance review.
Garden City’s Short-Term Rental Rules
Operating a short-term rental in Garden City means following a detailed set of local laws designed to keep guests safe, neighborhoods orderly, and properties in compliance.
Zoning Restrictions & Location
Vacation rentals are only permitted in approved zoning districts within Garden City and Rich County. Property owners must verify their zoning status before applying for a business license or STR permit.
Occupancy Limits
Maximum overnight occupancy is determined by the City or County Building Inspector based on square footage and number of beds.
Parking Requirements
Under Ordinance 24-24, parking spaces must:
- Measure at least 10 feet wide by 24 feet long (single-family dwellings).
- Be clearly marked and located on the vacation home property.
- Be asphalt or concrete, not gravel or dirt.
- Provide one parking space per four occupants.
If your property is within an HOA, the association may have additional parking requirements or designated off-premise parking that must allow access for emergency vehicles.
Noise, Trash & Community Rules
While Garden City doesn’t currently require posting rules inside every rental, it’s strongly recommended that owners display information about:
- Quiet hours and noise expectations
- Trash and recycling pick-up
- Parking and occupancy limits
- Local emergency contacts
30-Minute Contact Requirement
All short-term rentals must have a designated local contact, either the owner or a property manager, who can respond to the property within 30 minutes in case of emergencies, complaints, or inspection requests.
Penalties
Garden City takes short-term rental compliance seriously. While inspections are often scheduled in advance, violations tied to guest safety, parking, or noise can result in immediate action from city or county officials.
Property owners can face fines or permit suspensions for:
- Operating without a valid business license or STR permit
- Exceeding occupancy limits or allowing street parking
- Failing to maintain safety standards, such as missing smoke or CO₂ detectors
- Ignoring city communications or not responding within the 30-minute contact window
- Delaying or skipping tax payments
How to Keep Your Short-Term Rentals Compliant
Protect your rental income and peace of mind with these proactive steps:
- Renew your licenses annually and track renewal deadlines.
- Display your STR license inside the property, listing the emergency contact and maximum occupancy.
- Keep your property inspection-ready, maintaining working smoke and CO₂ detectors, clear parking, and visible address markings.
- Assign a 30-minute local contact and update their info with the city immediately if it changes.
- Collect and remit all applicable taxes promptly.
- Document everything (inspections, permits, tax filings) in one place for easy verification.
Make Local Regulations & Compliance Simple
Running a short-term rental in Garden City requires adherence to clear rules, including licensing and inspections, occupancy, parking, and tax compliance. Staying up to date protects your guests, your property, and your business.
For a stress-free experience, partner with Bear Lake Premier Cabins. Our team handles short-term rental compliance, permits, and management so you can focus on enjoying your investment.
