Salt Lake City vs Scottsdale
Utah Effectively Banned | Arizona Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Salt Lake City, Utah | Scottsdale, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Effectively Banned | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | Contact city for current details | $250/year |
| Tax Rate | ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT) | ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city) |
| 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 | $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months |
| Verdict | Scottsdale 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
Scottsdale, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year
Tax Rate ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months
Scottsdale 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 →Scottsdale Overview
Ordinance 4566 caps occupancy at 6 adults plus dependent children, requires 1 off-street parking space per bedroom, $500K liability insurance, and neighbor notification within 30 days. Special events and commercial uses prohibited.
Full Scottsdale guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Salt Lake City or Scottsdale?
Salt Lake City is classified as "Effectively Banned" while Scottsdale is "Legal with Permit." Salt Lake City's permit fee is Contact city for current details compared to $250/year in Scottsdale.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Salt Lake City or Scottsdale?
Salt Lake City charges ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT), while Scottsdale charges ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city). 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. Scottsdale: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months.