HB 256 and the City’s Crackdown on STRs
Utah’s HB 256 is giving Salt Lake City a stronger legal foundation to enforce its rules against unlicensed or improperly zoned short-term rentals (STRs). While enforcement isn’t new, this legislation codifies and strengthens the City’s ability to act, especially by using online listings as evidence.
If you own or operate a short-term rental in Salt Lake City, you need to understand the zoning, notice, and enforcement risks—before you get fined or shut down.
Where Are STRs Allowed in Salt Lake City?
Under current zoning laws:
- STRs are permitted in mixed-use zones (MU5–MU11)
- STRs are banned in all residential zones
- STRs are not currently licensed, but the City is considering creating a licensing program for allowable zones
You can check your property’s zoning here.
How HB 256 Changes Enforcement
HB 256 empowers the City to:
- Use online listings (e.g., Airbnb) as direct evidence that an STR is operating without a business license or in a prohibited zone
- Request takedown of listings from STR platforms if the rental is located in a banned zone
This is significant because it formalizes what Civil Enforcement has already been doing—now with clear legal backing.
Cited in HB 256:
- Lines 61–65: STR listings can be used to prove unlicensed business activity
- Lines 70–75: Listings may be removed if the STR violates zoning laws
What Enforcement Looks Like in Practice
For non-compliant STRs, Civil Enforcement in Salt Lake City may:
- Knock on doors and speak to occupants
- Document out-of-state license plates
- Talk to neighbors and collect photos
- Issue a 14-day warning before fining $200/day for noncompliance
Once shut down, the property may be monitored for repeat violations.
What Landlords Should Do Now
1. Know Your Zoning
Make sure your property is in an MU5–MU11 zone before listing it as an STR.
2. Don’t Skip Business Licensing (if implemented)
Although no license is currently required, that’s expected to change. Be ready to comply once a fee structure and ordinance are adopted.
3. Don’t Rely on Platform Filters
Just because Airbnb lets you list a property doesn’t mean it’s legal under City code.
4. Document Long-Term Tenancies
If you’re renting for 30+ days, make sure you have a proper lease and rental documentation in place. This helps if you’re wrongly flagged as an STR.
5. Respond to Notices Promptly
If you receive a compliance notice, take it seriously and act quickly. Fines escalate fast.
Final Thoughts
Salt Lake City is cracking down on illegal STRs, and HB 256 gives the City more leverage than ever. If you operate an STR—or are thinking about it—you need to understand the risks and get ahead of the regulations.
If you’re facing a compliance issue or want help reviewing your zoning, rental strategy, or enforcement exposure, Duckworth Legal Group can help.
Call (801) 882-7444 or email info@duckworthlegalgroup.com to avoid penalties and protect your investment in a changing regulatory landscape.