Sandy Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Sandy,Utah?

Sandy, Utah imposes strict regulations on short term rentals listed on sites like Airbnb and VRBO to preserve neighborhood character while generating tax revenue. Hosts cannot operate vacation rentals under 30 days without first obtaining permits, licenses, undergoing inspections, and paying fees plus taxes.

The city caps the number of short term rental permits issued. Licenses also require owner-occupancy as a primary residence for over 6 months annually. These limitations control investor speculation and proliferation of Airbnbs solely for income absentee owners.

Approved permits undergo review of documents like floor plans, parking arrangements, and certificate of insurance. Hosts must pass inspection and remit transient room taxes quarterly. Fines apply for violations of occupancy rules or failure to respond to complaints.In exchange for regulation, the city works cooperatively with responsible hosts following proper procedures. Sandy aims to balance neighborhood needs with economic benefits of the sharing economy. The ordinance evolved through compromise between city council and engaged residents.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Sandy

Sandy regulates short term rental properties to maintain neighborhood character but does allow legal operation through proper permitting. Launching a successful STR business requires working within city guidelines.

As a first step, review Sandy Ordinance 18-23 to understand all short term rental requirements. Key regulations include capping stays at 29 days, limiting occupancy, and mandating owner-occupancy for 6+ months annually. Violations risk fines so compliance is crucial.

Next, obtain a short term rental permit application from the Sandy Community Development Department. Submit the completed application along with permit and licensing fees based on property type. The city caps permit numbers so a waiting list is possible during high demand.

The application checklist details all documents the city requires. This includes proof of primary residency status, site plans with parking, floor plans showing bedrooms, and a certificate of insurance.

Once submitted, Sandy conducts an inspection of the rental property to verify bedroom count, parking spaces, and compliance with safety codes. Assuming inspection success, the city then issues a short term rental business license.

With a permit and license in place, properties can legally list on Airbnb, VRBO and other platforms. Register for a municipal transient room tax ID number from the city to handle taxes on rental revenue. Review tax obligations in detail to simplify filing and avoid penalties.

Launching a short term rental business in Sandy has hurdles like permit caps and owner-occupancy rules. However, the permitting process allows responsible hosts to operate legally. Review ordinance 18-23 thoroughly, submit a complete application, and pass inspection to get approved.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Sandy

To operate a short term rental property in Sandy, you must obtain approval and a permit from the city. This is mandated by Sandy Ordinance 18-23, which regulates these types of rentals.

The permitting process ensures you meet all safety, zoning, and code requirements. It also allows the city to maintain neighborhood character by capping the number issued.Without this permit, you cannot legally advertise or rent a property in Sandy for less than 30 consecutive days. Fines can be issued if you are caught illegally operating without a license.

To apply, first thoroughly review ordinance 18-23 so you understand all regulations. Then submit the short term rental permit application along with the one-time $100 fee. This will start the approval process.Be prepared to provide supplemental documents such as detailed floor plans, certificate of insurance, parking layouts, and proof of primary residency. These verify you are complying with city requirements.

Once submitted, a safety inspection will be scheduled. Assuming you pass and all paperwork is in order, you can then pay the annual $50 licensing fee.

With your approved permit and paid license, you can now legally operate your short term rental in the city of Sandy. Renewals are required annually to maintain active status.

Abiding by these permitting and licensing rules allows you to run a compliant rental business. It keeps both hosts and the city happy.

Required Documents for Sandy Short Term Rentals

To obtain approval for operating a short term rental in Sandy, hosts must submit the following key documents along with the permit application form:

Proof of Primary Residency

• Provide documentation showing you have occupied the property as your principal residence for over 6 months per calendar year. This aims to verify owner-occupancy requirements.

Site Plans

• Submit drawings showing property boundaries, existing structures, landscaping, parking areas, easements, and utilities access. Site plans display layout and spatial details.

Floor Plans

• Provide to-scale interior drawings indicating room dimensions, uses, exits, windows, and smoke detectors. Floor plans help determine maximum occupancy limits.

Parking Plans

• Show vehicle parking spaces available on-site for guests along with circulation patterns. Parking plans ensure adequate capacity to prevent street congestion.

Certificate of Insurance

• Supply a certificate proving current homeowners insurance coverage for short term rental use. Minimum policy limits apply so verify with the city. Insurance protects owners.

Providing complete, accurate documents displays readiness for legal short term rental operation. The city reviews submissions to confirm adherence with regulations before approving permits. Reach out with any questions on required paperwork.

Sandy Short Term Rental Taxes

Operating a short term rental (STR) in Sandy requires paying multiple taxes that take a portion of rental income. As a professional host, you must register with tax agencies, file returns, and remit due taxes on time to avoid penalties.

The taxes on STRs in Sandy are:Sandy Municipal Transient Room Tax

• 1.5% of gross short term rental revenue
• Applies to stays less than 30 consecutive days
• Paid monthly, quarterly or annually to Sandy

Utah State Sales Tax

• 4.85% of rental revenue
• For stays less than 30 consecutive days
• Paid quarterly to Utah Tax Commission

Utah Hospitality Tax

• 1.25% of accommodation revenue
• For stays over 29 consecutive days
• Paid quarterly to Utah Tax Commission

IRS Taxes

• Federal taxes on net rental income
• Self-employment tax of 15.3% may apply
• Reported on Schedule E and Schedule SE
• Paid quarterly based on prior year

As a STR host, you must setup accounts and file returns for each applicable tax in Sandy. Penalties can accrue for non-payment, so work with an accountant to ensure full compliance. Consider using STR management software that can track different taxes due and automate filings.

Sandy wide Short Term Rental Rules

Sandy has implemented citywide requirements for short term rental hosts to follow under Ordinance 18-23. These rules aim to enable home sharing while protecting neighborhood character and living standards.

Permitted Rental Duration

• Stays are capped at 29 consecutive days. No exceptions are allowed even with rebooking. This prevents homes being rented like unregulated hotels.

Occupancy Limits

• 2 adults maximum per bedroom are allowed
• Plus up to 2 additional adults
• For example, a 3 bedroom home allows 8 total adults

Response Time Requirements

• Complaints must be responded to within 1 hour by the owner or designated manager
• Quick response aims to resolve any issues promptly

Use Restrictions

• Short term rentals cannot be used for any social events
• Commercial uses are strictly prohibited
• Activities disturbing the peace and quiet are barred

Violating any Sandy STR rules can result in fines, permit revocation, and even criminal charges. Hosts must follow the ordinance to maintain licensing.

Does Sandy strictly enforce STR rules?” Is Sandy Airbnb friendly?

Sandy takes short term rental regulation enforcement seriously. The city aims to maintain neighborhood character and has strict caps on permits issued. Fines are levied on unlicensed rentals or violations of city ordinances.

However, Sandy does strive to balance perspectives and work reasonably with responsible hosts following proper permitting procedures. The August 2018 city council meeting showed compromises made to accommodate resident needs.

So while Sandy's enforcement is strict, the city also demonstrates willingness to collaborate with hosts operating legally and respectfully. Reviews from Airbnb operators in Sandy support this balanced dynamic. Most hosts find that compliance, while arduous, pays dividends in mutually beneficial relations with the city government.

With attentiveness to regulations and an earnest effort to engage city administrators, short term rental hosts can succeed in Sandy. The city has crafted their ordinances to enable hosting while protecting communities. Hosts that share those objectives can find a welcoming environment for their businesses within the boundaries set by Sandy.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Sandy

Starting a legal and compliant short term rental business in Sandy, Utah requires following several key steps:

1. Review the ordinance and regulations

The first step is to thoroughly review Sandy Ordinance 18-23 which covers requirements and rules for short term rentals in the city. This includes restrictions on lengths of stay, parking, noise and nuisance issues. You can find the ordinance text on the Sandy city website.

2. Obtain the permit application

Next, you need to obtain the short term rental permit application from the Sandy Community Development Department. This application will list all documents and information you need to provide.

3. Submit application and pay fee

Complete the short term rental application, compile all required supporting documents, then submit the application in person along with payment of the permit application fee.

4. Pass inspection and get license

The city will review your application and inspect the rental unit. If everything meets regulations, Sandy will then issue your short term rental business license.

5. Register for taxes

With your rental license approved, register for a municipal transient room tax ID number. This is required to remit taxes on rental revenue.

6. List property and start renting

Finally, list your Sandy rental property on sites like Airbnb and VRBO. With your paperwork complete, you can legally host short term guests while meeting all city requirements.

Starting a short term rental business in Sandy follows this straightforward sequence of steps for full legal compliance. Reach out to the Sandy Community Development Department with any questions on the permitting and licensing process.

Who to contact in Sandy about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

For all inquiries related to short term rental regulations and zoning in Sandy, Utah, your primary point of contact is the Sandy Community Development Department. Their knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.

You can reach the Sandy Community Development Department by phone at 801-568-7100 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. If you prefer to communicate via email, send your questions to cdd@sandy.utah.gov and a representative will promptly respond to your inquiry.

The Community Development Department is well-versed in the city's short term rental ordinances, licensing requirements, and zoning regulations. They can provide you with the most up-to-date information and guide you through the process of obtaining the necessary permits and licenses for your short term rental business in Sandy.

What do Airbnb hosts in Sandy on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Hosts on Reddit generally describe Sandy's approach to short-term rental regulations as strict but fair. Most hosts who follow the rules and obtain proper permits report few issues with the city. The consensus is that while Sandy closely monitors compliance, they are reasonable to work with for rule-abiding hosts.

However, some hosts on Bigger Pockets feel Sandy's regulations, particularly the owner-occupancy requirement and cap on permits, make operating short-term rentals unnecessarily difficult. Investors looking to purchase multiple properties solely for STRs may face challenges. But hosts who use their primary residence seem to navigate the system successfully.

Another Bigger Pockets thread highlights the tradeoffs Sandy STR operators make. Following the licensing rules limits flexibility compared to some cities. But it provides a path to legally run STRs with less risk of sudden shutdowns. Hosts who understand the regulations upfront can build a viable business.

Overall, online forums show Sandy's STR regulations are stricter than many Utah cities but not impossible to work with. The city appears to prioritize neighborhood preservation and housing affordability. But they have compromised to allow some STR activity. Hosts who educate themselves on the rules, obtain permits, and operate responsibly seem to coexist successfully with the city and residents.