What zoning rules apply to STRs in Provo?

Strict owner-occupancy requirement: You cannot operate an STR in a residential zone if you do not live there.

What are the key requirements for Provo hosts?

Off-street parking: You must provide one off-street parking space per STR unit in addition to required residential parking.

What should Provo hosts know about basement apartments are allowed only?

Basement apartments are allowed only if the house remains owner-occupied.

What violations should Provo hosts avoid?

Advertising an unlicensed STR is a code violation even if no bookings occur.

Provo, UT Short-Term Rental Regulations & Licensing Guide

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 12, 2026

Summary

Provo allows short-term rentals primarily in residential zones if they are owner-occupied, requiring a city business license and safety compliance.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 73 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•Safety standards required
•No night cap
•Low permit fee

In Plain English

In Provo, you can rent out your home or a portion of it for less than 30 days only if you live in the home as your primary residence. You must obtain a Short-Term Rental Business License from the city and ensure the property meets fire and safety codes. Non-owner-occupied rentals are generally restricted to specific commercial or high-density zones.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$50

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Max Fine

$5,000

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

•Provo allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Condo, Townhouse, Accessory Apartment, Basement Apartment.
•Provo limits hosts to a maximum of 1 STR properties per owner.
•Provo prohibits STRs in the following property types: Recreational Vehicles, Tents, Commercial storage units.

Requirements(14)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Provo: 1. Strict owner-occupancy requirement: You cannot operate an STR in a residential zone if you do not live there. 2. Off-street parking: You must provide one off-street parking space per STR unit in addition to required residential parking. 3. Basement apartments are allowed only if the house remains owner-occupied. 4. Advertising an unlicensed STR is a code violation even if no bookings occur.

Application Process(8)

•Provo STR permit - Step 1: Zoning Verification. Check the Provo City Interactive Zoning Map to ensure your property is in a zone that permits STRs (most residential zones require owner-occupancy). Time: 1 day.
•Provo STR permit - Step 4: Pass Fire Inspection. Schedule and pass a safety inspection by the Provo Fire Department to ensure compliance with egress and alarm codes. Time: 1 week. Cost: 25.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Provo charges a registration fee of $50 (annual).

Taxes(2)

•Provo charges a Transient Room Tax of 0.056%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO generally collect and remit Utah state and county taxes.
•Utah has a state sales tax of 0.075% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Provo: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Provo limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Provo enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Provo occupancy calculation: Subject to IBC/IFC standards; usually limited by family definition or 2 persons per bedroom plus 2.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Provo requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress windows in bedrooms, Visible address numbers, Working plumbing and heating.

Penalties(2)

•Provo: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Provo enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $250 fine. Second offense: $500 fine. Third offense: $1000 fine. Daily fine: $250 per day. Maximum fine: 5000. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

•Provo: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Provo exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Utah Markets

Summit County

Utah

Moderate

Unincorporated Summit County requires all short-term rental operators to obtain an annual business license and undergo a safety self-certification. The regulations distinguish between the Snyderville Basin and Eastern Summit County planning districts, each with specific zoning constraints.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

St. George

Utah

Moderate

Short-term rentals in St. George are strictly regulated and only permitted in specific zones or developments where STR use was explicitly approved during the platting process. Operating an STR in a standard residential zone (like R-1) is generally prohibited, and the city actively enforces these restrictions with fines starting at $750.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Hurricane

Utah

Strict

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Hurricane are heavily restricted with a 300-foot separation requirement and a citywide cap of three licenses per 1,000 residents in single-family zones.

Permit requiredNight limits

0.1% total tax

Park City

Utah

Moderate

Park City requires all short-term rental operators to obtain an annual business license and undergo a mandatory fire safety inspection. Stays are defined as short-term if they are 30 days or less, and properties must be located within specific zoning districts that permit transient lodging.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Provo

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

Requirements(14)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Other Utah Markets

Summit County

St. George

Hurricane

Park City

Provo

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Provo?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Provo?

3Are there residency requirements for hosts in Provo?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Provo?

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Other Utah Markets

Summit County

St. George

Hurricane

Park City