Short-term rental business license ordinance
A new Chapter 5.13 of the city code would license short-term rentals, with eligibility rules, limits in multifamily buildings, a two-night minimum stay, recordkeeping, fines and revocation. The council briefed it June 16, 2026 and adopted it as Ordinance 38 of 2026 the same evening, with a request that the self-certification checklist list required fire and safety equipment.
- Where it stands
- Approved
- Type
- Code change
- Location
- Citywide
- Applicant
- Salt Lake City Community and Neighborhoods Department
Every hearing and vote
June 16, 2026 · City Council
Code amendments: parking fees, parking business license tax, Green Vehicle Program repeal, short-term rental licenses, board compensation
Approved · 7-0
The council adopted Ordinance 35 (unauthorized use of streets and parking enforcement penalties), 36 (license tax on parking service businesses), 37 (repeal of the SLC Green Vehicle Program), 38 (short-term rental business licenses) and 39 (uniform board and commission member compensation), all of 2026. The short-term rental motion also asked the administration to add a specific list of fire and safety equipment, such as carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, to the self-certification checklist.
June 16, 2026 · City Council work session
Short-term rental business license ordinance
Discussed
Tammy Hunsaker and Arturo Garcia presented a proposed Chapter 5.13 covering eligibility, limits in multifamily buildings, a two-night minimum stay, recordkeeping, enforcement, fines, suspension and revocation. Members discussed the link to future zoning rules, enforcement resources and lodging-tax revenue, effects on long-term housing supply and state-law limits. All members present supported requiring self-certification of carbon monoxide detectors in a straw poll, and Council Member Puy asked about smoke and CO detector requirements.
July 14, 2026 · City Council work session
Short-term rental business license ordinance follow-up
Discussed
Mark Kittrell reviewed Ordinance 38 of 2026 (licensing standards, a 10 percent multifamily limit, local contact requirements, a two-night minimum, a 200-night annual maximum, and penalties). Members discussed enforcement, how the cap applies to condominiums with several owners, treatment of existing operators and housing supply. Council Members Petro, Dugan and Wharton asked for further review of the condo question, comparisons with other cities, housing data and ways to notify operators. In a straw poll, all members present supported keeping the ordinance in effect, as adopted and published July 1, while staff develop possible amendments.