If your client or yourself are getting ready to buy a second home in the Greater St George area, and part of the economic strategy is to rent it out when not using it, then you may need some insight on what PUD’s or zoning laws allow, their associated ordinances and licensing requirements and general strategies to make the experience successful.
Escape Properties, a member of VMRA (the Vacation Rental Manager Association) and only National Association of Realtors designated RSPS (Resort and Second Home Property Specialist) firm has been managing and operating vacation properties since 2008 in the area with thousands of successful guest stays. We have spent a great deal of time and effort compiling this information for your benefit. Where possible we have contacted municipal authorities to get the most accurate and relevant information as possible.
Feel free to reach out to us for a specific analysis of your vacation
property – no obligation. (435) 414-1525 or email kendall@escape2stgeorge.com.
Vacation Rental homes have been around for hundreds of years in Europe. In the United States most vacation homes have been concentrated to sea side communities or mountain cabins. In the last 15 years with the advent of what is termed as the ‘sharing’ economy there has been a boom in the FOR RENT by OWNER options across the country and globally.
Communities like St George that are located near destinations like Zion National Park or the Grand Canyon or have developed a sports tourism options have seen a boom to nightly rentals and second home ownership.
There are 20 individual cities within Washington County and all with vastly different approaches to short term rentals. Not all areas are geographically ideal for a nightly rental business models. As such this article will focus on what we term as the Greater St George area (90% of our population) and will cover the cities of St George, Washington, Hurricane, Santa Clara, Ivins and La Verkin. The cities of Toquerville, Rockville and Springdale are near enough to Zion National Park that we will address them in a follow up article.
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Our team gets asked often “Where is the best place to buy” a vacation home. The simplest core answer is – “where ever it is allowed”. Sounds simple right. IF the property is not permitted for nightly rentals, and you want to off-set your costs with renting it out nightly – you are wasting your time and our time thinking about it. There isn’t enough money or motivation to deal with code enforcement violations, angry neighbors, tax implications etc. to be successful with non-zoned units. (Unless you are interested in operating the property as a ‘temporary housing’ property. Ask us for details on this option)
To help in our discussion, we need to review a few terms and types of lodging options one may encounter in Southern Utah.
Hotel/Motel –
Zoned commercially or high-way commercial. Located in town on major traffic by-ways. Single rooms with single bathroom, mini-fridge. Large parking lots, no group gathering areas without a fee, elevators, limited views. We have a few nice hotels – clean, good amenities, comfortable – but we don’t much in the way of a resort hotel that you want to take a vacation to per se. They are building one in Ivins near Tuacahn. I think it will have its own degree of success but may or may not have any opportunity for private unit ownership.
Glamping/Yurt/RV
These are options, but will not be discussed in this review. Glamping is ‘glorified camping’ and is usually in a YURT or Tent. There are a few that have popped up in the area around Zion National Park and are popular with the urban camper.
Shared house
(room for rent). Also known as the Airbnb Model. Owner lives on site. Offers a space in the home for rent, usually a room with access to a private bath but all other areas of the home typically are shared. Grandma’s house falls in this category. Usually only accommodates 1-2 persons but may vary. (In St George, even staying at Grandma’s house is illegal IF you compensate the old lady in cash or in kind)
Guest house private space. Like the room for rent, but more private. Owner still on site but the unit is separate with private kitchen/kitchenette. Accommodations for 1-4 people is common.
Whole Space (May be condo/townhouse or single-family home) May have a community pool with other shared amenities or may be all private amenities. Most popular are homes with private pools and these are the hardest to find. Units typically accommodate between 1-14+ persons (some up to 100) IF you’re looking to buy, this is the type of accommodation you will want. Focus your time on WHOLE HOUSE options.
Management Options There are two types of management styles we will discuss here. OPEN and CLOSED. OPEN means that the home owner can choose who manages the unit (A management company of their choosing, themselves if they live in the county). The selection of management companies may be limited to 3-4 different approved firms. CLOSED means that the home owner is required to use a single designated property manager. Other restrictions may apply.
The City of St George views vacation rentals as a commercial activity and tends to resist the shared economy. To their credit and a great deal of pressure from developers St George has approved a hand full of PUDs (Developments) that are specially zoned for nightly or short term rentals. St George for some time has been behind the curve here but recently opened up a boom in the Desert Color area and is allowing mega-complexes to be built for nightly rentals in conjunction with supporting commercial.
Short-Term (Room for Rent in private residence) Allowed: NO This model is strictly prohibited. Class B Misdemeanor. Grandma may face criminal proceedings if she lands on the city’s radar.
*NOTE: State law bars the city from prosecuting solely on the basis of advertising a short-term rental. Typically cities like St. George will pursue owners IF a neighbor lodges a complaint and provides sufficient evidence.
Guest House (Casita) Allowed: NO This model is strictly prohibited. Class B Misdemeanor. Fact: in 2017/2018 St George criminally prosecuted over 80 persons for promoting tourism lodging – not one conviction to our knowledge. City kept all tax revenues produced anyways. (lots of pleas-in-abeyance but no convictions)
Whole Home (Town Home) Allowed: YES – with restrictions and limitations. St George City restricts short term rentals to what is termed as RESORT OVERLAYS. Units outside these zones are prohibited. Class B Misdemeanor. Fact: Only about 30% of zoned properties in St George are operating legally. Most do not have a business license and most do not use a local property manager as the code requires.
Business License Required: YES, except the city does not enforce this requirement unless you attempt to rent a property in a non-zoned subdivision, then they will prosecute you. (Selective Enforcement)
ZONED AREAS and PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
Estancia – These are modern units, 4 story apartment like condos, with quality amenities. 1-4 bedroom units.
Manager required. Owners can select their own manager.
Sports Village – These are established condo style units with a very good amenities package. 1-4 bedroom units. Views vary depending on location of unit. These are the original nightly rental units built in the 80’s.
Manager required. Owners can select their own manager.
Las Palmas – These are established condo style units with a very good amenities package. 1-4 bedroom units. Views vary depending on location of unit.
Manager required. Owners can select their own manager.
The Ledges (Escapes, Fairways & Sand Cove) Are town home units, 3-5 bedroom designs on a golf course with good amenities.
Manager required. Owners CAN NOT select their own manager. Must use developments management company.
Bloomington Vacation Villas – These are 3-4 bedroom town homes located on a golf course with good amenities including community pool and tennis courts.
Manager required. Owners CAN NOT select their own manager. Must use designated management company.
Inn at Entrada & Shinava Ridge– 1-4 bedroom homes located on a private golf course with access to good amenities and resort services.
Shinava Ridge units 24-39 only.
Manager required. Owners CAN NOT select their own manager. Must use developments management company.
Point Vista –
These are 3-4 bedroom condos, nestled in Green Valley next to Las Palmas. Views and a pool.
Manager required. Owners can select their own manager.
Amira Resort –
These are 1-2 bedroom flats, nestled in Green Valley next to Las Palmas. Hacienda style with multiple pools, massage and gardens.
Manager required. Owners can select their own manager.
The Lofts-
These are 3-5 bedroom town homes, nestled in Green Valley next to Estancia. New contemporary design. Packed in tight with community pool.
Manager required. Owners can select their own manager.
The Vue –
We can not locate this subdivision with the county. It is listed on the city’s approved short term list but we can locate it.
Worldmark (The Resort) –
These are timeshares and not available for individual ownership. I have it in this list as it is on the city’s list, but not part of the market discussion.
Redhawk –
These are new to us. Appear to be more apartment like. Trying to determine if available for individual ownership. We will work on getting more info. Located by the Smith’s and Dino Crossing area by the River.
Desert Color–
This is the present ‘rage’ and poster property for St George. They are building single family homes and town home style units in the area around man-made lakes, amazing pool amenities as well as restaurants.
Historic Landmark Properties –
Properties located in the historic downtown area. Must meet certain historical definitions or be within the down town commercial area. Case-by-case approval. These can be supper fun projects if you can find one.
Manager required. Owners can select their own manager.
Villas @ Sunriver –
These units are part of a 55+ development. These were designed, in my opinion, to keep other peoples grand kids out of the old-folks pool but still allow family to visit.
There is more we need to learn about this property. Stay tuned
Management options not known at this time.
Yes, the city does not follow ALL of its own rules. The city ordinances require a subdivision to be zoned nightly to have a minimum of 100 units and must have prescribed amenities such as a golf course, pool, tennis court etc. At the time of this article over 60% of zoned areas in St George do not appear to meet this criteria. We’re OK with it . . . but seem silly to have a rule that applies less than 50% of the time.
CODES:
3-2V-1 and 10-14-21 and 10-14-22
The City of Washington views vacation rentals as a commercial activity and supports the a wide range of developer and citizen entrepreneur business models. The City has been more open to the shared economy for nightly rentals provided they are within zoned areas or resort subdivisions. The city requires you to have a local property manager. IF you live within the county, then you can self manage.
Short-Term (Room for Rent in private residence) Allowed: NO This model is prohibited.
Guest House (Casita) Allowed: NO This model is prohibited.
Whole Home (Town Home) Allowed: YES – with restrictions and limitations to specific zoned areas
Business License Required: YES, $50/year. Will require annual inspection and applicable egress signage, fire extinguishers, CO detectors and may be subject to occupancy limits unless fire suppression system present.
The city is reasonably welcoming to travelers who like a range of accommodations from hotels, condos, town homes and single family homes provided they are properly licensed and in designated zoned areas. The city recently welcomed its second hotel.
ZONED AREAS and PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
The Casitas – 3-4 bedroom units, town home style, with good community amenities and location near restaurants, I-15/SR 9.
Manager required. Owners can select their own manager.
Town Center – High-end town homes 3-6 bedroom floor plans with good amenities, ability to have private splash pad, private hot tubs on decks. Great location in walking distance to restaurants and easy I-15/SR 9 access. Golf near by.
Manager required. Owners can select their own manager.
Coral Ridge – 3-4 bedroom floor plans with good amenities. Great location in walking distance to restaurants and easy I-15/SR 9 access. Located on golf course.
Manager required. Owners can select their own manager.
Vida Sol – Brand new. 3-4 Br. Town home style. Open Management style. Allows for private hot tubs in back yards.
Manager required. Owners can select their own manager.
Stucki Farms – Private villas or single-family type homes. Located by new airport. Distance from venues/restaurants.
Manager required. Owners CAN NOT select their own manager. Must use developments management company.
Freedom Village – 3-4 bedroom floor plans, town home style with shared community amenities. Located by new airport. Distance from venues/restaurants.
Manager required. Owners CAN NOT select their own manager. Must use developments management company.
Ladera at Sienna Hills – New development 3-5 bedroom single family homes with shared community amenities. Requires management. Owner can choose their management company.
Manager required. Owners can select their own manager.
The Eighth – 7-8 bedroom town home with private pools. Also has access to amenities at Town Center. Located on a golf course. Great location in walking distance to restaurants and easy I-15/SR 9 access.
Manager required. Owners can select their own manager.
Escondido. Being developed by Ivory Homes – sister community to The Casitas. 3,4 and 5 bedroom options. Townhome style. Larger amenities.
Manager required. Owners can select their own manager.
CODES:
9-14-25
The Hurricane City views vacation rentals as a commercial activity and supports the a wide range of developer and citizen entrepreneur business models including conditional use permits within residential zones. The City has been very open to the shared economy for nightly rentals provided they are within zoned areas, resort subdivisions or limited use permits. The city does restrict the limited use permits to 1 license per 1000 residents. There is a list for these licenses – 4-7 year wait.
Short-Term (Room for Rent in private residence) Allowed: YES This model is allowed for owner occupant only. License required, but not limited by area. Your HOA may have restrictions.
Guest House (Casita) Allowed: YES This model is allowed. Owner must occupy the main home. License required, but not limited. HOA may restrict.
Whole Home (Town Home) Allowed: YES – Property must be located within a zoned area or be granted the conditional use permit or be located in a commercial zone. HOA may have restrictions
Business License Required: YES, $300/year. Will require annual inspection and applicable egress signage, fire extinguishers, CO detectors and may be subject to occupancy limits unless fire suppression system present.
The city is very welcoming to travelers who like a range of accommodations from hotels, condos town homes and single family homes provided they are properly licensed or designated zoned areas. The city only has several hotel options along the main highway. The city recognizes the consumer demand and welcomes the influx of tax revenue produced by nightly rentals. Local residents who participate also appreciate the economic advantage of the shared economy and are benefiting in amazing ways.
ZONED AREAS and PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
Coral Springs – These are 1-3 bedroom condo style units with large private deck spaces. Good community amenities including indoor/outdoor pool and tennis court. Great access to I-15/SR 9 and close to golf course.
Manager required. Owners can select their own manager.
Zion Gate – Great amenities with 3-6 bedroom town home style units. Located just off Hwy 9 in Hurricane. Great location between Zion National Park and Sand Hollow Recreation Area.
Manager required. Owners can select their own manager.
Sand Hollow Resort – Mix of condo style (The Villas) and private single family units (The Retreat). Located on a golf course and near Sand Hollow Recreation area.
Manager required. Owners CAN NOT select their own manager. Must use developments management company.
All other areas are either permitted by conditional use permit and limited by the number of permits issues based on population OR they are located in commercial zones. Owner occupied units may rent out rooms or casitas in their home with or with out a manager.
CODE:
3-10-1 through 12
The City of Santa Clara views vacation rentals as a commercial activity The City has been more open to the shared economy for nightly rentals provided they are within zoned areas or resort subdivisions. The city requires you to have a local property manager. .
Short-Term (Room for Rent in private residence) Allowed: NO This model is prohibited.
Guest House (Casita) Allowed: NO This model is prohibited.
Whole Home (Town Home) Allowed: YES – with restrictions and limitations to specific zoned areas
Business License Required: YES Not known at the time of this article if an annual inspection is required.
The city is very welcoming to travelers who like a range of accommodations condos, town homes and single family homes provided they are properly licensed and in designated zoned areas. The city only has no hotels and enjoys the tax basis provided by the nightly rental industry.
Manager required. Owners CAN NOT select their own manager. Must use developments management company.
ZONED AREAS and PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
Lava Falls -This are town home style units with a nice community pool near a Entrada golf course with NO golf course access. 1-3 bedroom style with private garages beautiful views.
Manager required. Owners can select their own management company
Ocotillo Resorts – This is a brand news subdivision, great amenities package, 3-5 bedroom design with optional private hot tubs on select units with private garages
Manager required. Owners can select their own management company
Paradise Village at Zion – The first great experiment the city allowed. Successful. Single family home designs with 3-6 bedroom options. Excellent amenities package.
Manager required. Owners can select their own management company
Acadia – High end project with closed management. Excellent amenities. 3-6 bedroom town home design options.
Manager required. Owners CAN NOT select their own manager. Must use developments management company.
The City of Ivins considers nightly rentals to be a commercial activity and has created zoned areas. There are no hotels in Ivins but one is in development near Tuacahn.
Short-Term (Room for Rent in private residence) Allowed: NO This model is prohibited.
Guest House (Casita) Allowed: NO This model is prohibited.
Whole Home (Town Home) Allowed: YES – with restrictions and limitations to specific zoned areas
Business License Required: At the time of this posting, it was not clear of licensing requirements.
ZONED AREAS and PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
None – No subdivisions were identified at the time of this posting. Red Mountain Resort might be one but appears to operate more like a private club resort than being open to the public. More research in Ivins is needed.
The City of La Verkin views vacation rentals as a commercial activity and supports the a wide range of developer and citizen entrepreneur business models including conditional use permits within residential zones. The City has been very open to the shared economy for nightly rentals provided they are within zoned areas. At the time of this post there were no specific resort subdivisions within the city.
The city has divided the community into 6 zones and allows up to 10% of those properties to be used as nightly rentals and requires a business license, a local manager and must meet certain age or recent renovation requirements.
Short-Term (Room for Rent in private residence) Allowed: YES This model is allowed for owner occupant only. License required, but not limited.
Guest House (Casita) Allowed: NO This model is not allowed. City does not recognize casitas as a legal structure to a residential home.
Whole Home (Town Home) Allowed: YES – Property must be located within a zoned area or be granted the conditional use permit.
Business License Required: YES, $300/year. Will require annual inspection and applicable egress signage, fire extinguishers, CO detectors and may be subject to occupancy limits unless fire suppression system present.
The city is very welcoming to travelers who like a range of accommodations from hotels, condos town homes and single family homes provided they are properly licensed. The city has several hotel options along the main highways. The city recognizes the consumer demand and welcomes the influx of tax revenue produced by nightly rentals. Local residents who participate also appreciate the economic advantage of the shared economy and are benefiting in amazing ways.
This community attitude is driving investment in the community in new hotels (healthy competition) new restaurants and elevating property values for all owners in the community. Thank you to capitalism and leaders who support the innovations of individuals and businesses alike.
ZONED AREAS and PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
Very Open – Pick a place. Escape Properties can help buyers navigate the licensing process and help owners meet the details of the ordinance. Property management required unless you live local (within the county)