Salt Lake City vs Savannah
Utah Effectively Banned | Georgia Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Salt Lake City, Utah | Savannah, Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Effectively Banned | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | Contact city for current details | $400 initial application; $250/year renewal |
| Tax Rate | ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT) | 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines | Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation |
| Verdict | Savannah has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Salt Lake City, Utah
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Contact city for current details
Tax Rate ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines
Savannah, Georgia
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $400 initial application; $250/year renewal
Tax Rate 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation
Savannah has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Salt Lake City Overview
Traditional STRs (Airbnb-style) are prohibited in all residential zones. Short-term lodging is only permitted in downtown and mixed-use zoning districts, where operators must meet hotel/motel-class licensing and building standards.
Full Salt Lake City guide →Savannah Overview
STVRs permitted within Downtown, Victorian, and Streetcar historic district overlay zones, plus select commercial/agriculture zones. 20% per-ward cap applies to non-owner-occupied parcels in historic districts.
Full Savannah guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Salt Lake City or Savannah?
Salt Lake City is classified as "Effectively Banned" while Savannah is "Legal with Permit." Salt Lake City's permit fee is Contact city for current details compared to $400 initial application; $250/year renewal in Savannah.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Salt Lake City or Savannah?
Salt Lake City charges ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT), while Savannah charges 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Salt Lake City: Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. Savannah: Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation.