Salt Lake City vs Scottsdale

Utah Effectively Banned | Arizona Legal with Permit

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

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.

Permits & Licensing

Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details for STR licensing, while Scottsdale charges $250/year. Salt Lake City renewal is annual, and Scottsdale renewal is annual. Overall, Scottsdale has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Salt Lake City (Effectively Banned).

Tax Obligations

In Salt Lake City, hosts pay ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). In Scottsdale, hosts pay ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Salt Lake City face penalties including Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. In Scottsdale, violations can result in $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

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.

Contact: Salt Lake City Planning Division — (801) 535-7700

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.

Contact: Scottsdale Code Enforcement — (480) 312-2546

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. Overall, Scottsdale has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
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).
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Salt Lake City and Scottsdale have day limits for Airbnb?
Salt Lake City has no annual day limit. Scottsdale has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Salt Lake City or Scottsdale?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details for permits with ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT) in taxes. Scottsdale charges $250/year with ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city). Automatic tax collection in Salt Lake City and Scottsdale makes compliance easier for beginners.