According to a 2024 post from the University of Utah, visitors spent $11.98 billion while touring the state in 2022. Their patronage created over 98,000 travel and tourism-related jobs.
Considering those figures, turning your property in Hooper, UT, into a vacation rental can be a wise financial move that can help you generate extra income.
Before you get excited, though, you must familiarize yourself with legal considerations for vacation rentals in the city. Otherwise, you could face legal consequences.
To that end, PMI Northern Utah has compiled this guide on Hooper and state-wide vacation rental regulations. Read on to learn how to ensure short-term rental compliance.
Zoning Restrictions
Location is among the most crucial legal considerations for vacation rentals in Hooper or elsewhere in Weber County, Utah. Because of zoning-related rental property legislation, property owners don't automatically have the right to convert their properties into vacation rentals, also known as "nightly rentals."
In Weber County, zoning laws separate properties into several color-coded designations:
- Green
- Purple
- Red
Only properties in the green and purple designations are within zones that permit nightly rentals. Hopefully, yours is within one of these two.
You can check which designation your property is in through the Weber County Nightly Rental/GIS map. You'll also find the applicable license application forms on this page.
Nightly Rental License Application Required
Let's say your vacation property is in the green or purple zone. In this case, you can rent out to Hooper travelers. However, you must first obtain a nightly rental license.
Applying for a nightly rental license requires following emergency contact and property manager laws. For instance, you must provide either your (the owner's) or your manager's:
- Complete name
- Complete address
- Phone number
If you have a designated manager, they must ensure compliance with nightly rental regulations.
Applying for a business license is also mandatory for nightly rentals in the green designation. Conversely, if your property is in the purple zone, you must obtain a business license and a conditional use permit.
State Tax ID Number Required
You must acquire a state tax ID number if you plan to operate your nightly rental without a third-party platform (e.g., VRBO or Airbnb). The Utah government website provides more information and the necessary forms for state tax ID applications.
However, if you plan to operate your nightly rental through a third-party platform, you won't need to acquire a separate state tax ID number. VRBO and Airbnb legal requirements mandate that these companies collect your tax information, meaning they'll report your taxes on your behalf.
Comply With These Legal Considerations for Vacation Rentals in Hooper, UT
Legal considerations for vacation rentals in Hooper, UT, include zoning restrictions, permitting, and licensing. While they aren't rocket science, they can still be complex and confusing, especially for first-time hosts.
Our real estate asset and property management firm, PMI Northern Utah, can simplify things for you. We specialize in full-service vacation rental management solutions, from legal compliance to marketing, guest screening and services, accounting, and property maintenance. With our local expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and the support of PMI, the larger franchise that we are a member of and has been perfecting the property management sector for over 20 years, we can help make your Hooper vacation rental thrive.
Chat with us today to schedule your free property consultation!
