The Oakley City Council enacted Ordinance No. 2026-xx to regulate and register short-term rental units, according to a report published August 3. The ordinance, which repeals and reenacts Chapter 13-9-20 of the Oakley City Code, is intended to promote public safety and the general welfare of residents while addressing the availability of workforce housing and limiting impacts on existing neighborhoods.
Under the new regulations, no more than ten short-term rental units are permitted to operate within the municipal boundaries of Oakley City at any one time. Each licensed short-term rental must be located at least one-half mile away from another licensed unit, measured in a straight line from the nearest property line.
When the maximum number of licenses is reached, no additional licenses will be issued unless an existing one is revoked, surrendered, or expires. If a license becomes available, the city will provide ten days of notice before an application deadline. If multiple timely applications are submitted, the city will use a random lottery to select the successful applicant.
Short-term rentals must be managed by an owner, agent, or agency with a designated responsible person or agent available 24/7 to respond to complaints. This individual must respond to complaints within sixty minutes.
Property owners must comply with several requirements, including inspections by the South Summit Fire Department and a life safety inspection. Owners must also provide proof of insurance with a minimum $1,000,000 policy that lists Oakley City as an insured party. Additionally, written approval from Summit County Health is required for properties utilizing a septic system.
The ordinance establishes a system of penalties for violations, which are considered civil infractions. A first offense results in a written warning, a second offense incurs a $500 fine, and a third or subsequent offense results in a $1,000 fine, immediate revocation of the short-term permit, and a two-year prohibition from future short-term rental registration.
The ordinance took effect immediately upon its posting. A complete copy of the ordinance is available at the Oakley City Recorder's office located at 960 West Center Street, Oakley, UT 84055.
