Moab Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Nightly Rental License

This permit type does not require primary residence. Zoning restriction: Short-term rental of dwellings prohibited in zones A-2, C-1, C-3, C-5, FW, I-1, R&D-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RA-1 and all zones where not listed as a permitted use; no license may be granted unless allowed as a land use in the underlying zoning district.

Application Process

Apply under MMC 5.04.030 using the owner's Utah State sales tax ID number; inspection and approval by the Building Inspector, Fire Chief and Health Department required prior to issuance

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 14.82% of gross rental income.

Collection: Self-remit; the owner or property manager must collect and pay the applicable state and city taxes

Rental Limits

Moab does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent.

Occupancy & Density Limits

10 persons at any one time (higher occupancy may be approved with a Fire Chief-approved fire suppression system)

Zoning & Restrictions

STR of dwellings prohibited in zones A-2, C-1, C-3, C-5, FW, I-1, R&D-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RA-1 and all other zones where not a listed permitted use; exceptions only for bed and breakfast facilities and guest apartments complying with Chapter 17.70 or 17.71

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Moab does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• Each sleeping room must be equipped with smoke and CO (carbon monoxide) detectors
• Must meet all applicable building, health and fire codes for the intended use
• Inspection and approval by the Building Inspector, Fire Chief and Health Department required prior to license issuance

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operating a nightly rental without a business license is a Class A misdemeanor with a fine imposed for each day the violation continues; the City may also pursue civil action to enjoin or abate the violation and recover attorney fees and court costs

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Moab:

1. Meet safety requirements. Each sleeping room must be equipped with smoke and CO (carbon monoxide) detectors. Must meet all applicable building, health and fire codes for the intended use. Inspection and approval by the Building Inspector, Fire Chief and Health Department required prior to license issuance.
2. Apply for Nightly Rental License. Submit application + $250.00 fee.
3. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Utah State Tax Commission (Taxpayer Access Point / TAP).
4. Collect and remit taxes. 14.82% on all bookings.
5. Renew annually. $52.00 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Moab?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Moab requires a Nightly Rental License.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Moab?

A Nightly Rental License in Moab costs $250.00 per year. Renewal is $52.00 per year.

Does Moab require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Moab allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Moab?

Moab does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Moab?

Short-term rental stays in Moab are subject to a combined 14.82% in lodging taxes. This combines 4.85% State Sales & Use Tax + 1.00% Local Option Sales Tax + 0.25% County Option Sales Tax + 0.30% Highway Tax + 0.50% Rural Hospital Tax + 1.60% Resort Community & RC Additional Tax + 0.25% Additional Transit Tax + 0.32% State Transient Room Tax + 4.25% County Transient Room Tax + 1.00% Municipal Transient Room Tax + 0.50% Additional Transient Room Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.