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.

Permits & Licensing

Park City charges $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) for STR licensing, while Washington DC charges $104.50 for 2-year license. Park City renewal is annual, and Washington DC renewal is every 2 years. Overall, Park City has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Washington DC (Legal but Limited).

Tax Obligations

In Park City, hosts pay ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT). In Washington DC, hosts pay 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Washington DC imposes a 90-night annual limit, while Park City has no annual cap — a significant advantage for high-volume hosts.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Park City face penalties including Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses. In Washington DC, violations can result in $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

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.

Contact: Park City Finance Department — (435) 615-5231

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.

Contact: DC DLCP Short-Term Rental Hotline — (202) 221-8550

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. Overall, Park City has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
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).
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Park City and Washington DC have day limits for Airbnb?
Park City has no annual day limit. Washington DC limits STRs to 90 nights per year.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Park City or Washington DC?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Park City charges $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) for permits with ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT) in taxes. Washington DC charges $104.50 for 2-year license with 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax). Automatic tax collection in Park City and Washington DC makes compliance easier for beginners.