Park City vs Washington DC

Utah Legal with Permit | District of Columbia Legal but Limited

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Park City, Utah
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual)
Tax Rate ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $104.50 for 2-year license
Tax Rate 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation

Park City has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Park City Overview

Nightly Rental License required; only certain zones allow STRs (e.g., Old Town, Canyons Village). Areas like Prospector and Meadows Estates prohibit nightly rentals. Must pass building inspection and designate 24/7 local contact.

Full Park City guide →

Washington DC Overview

Primary residence only (must qualify for Homestead Deduction). Hosted stays have no day cap. Vacation rentals (unhosted) capped at 90 nights/year. Must carry $250K liability insurance.

Full Washington DC guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Park City or Washington DC?
Park City is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Washington DC is "Legal but Limited." Park City's permit fee is $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) compared to $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Park City or Washington DC?
Park City charges ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT), while Washington DC charges 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Park City: Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation.