[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6139163,"mediaKeyId","5581418-c8809c6e56c47bd2e283b41bea26c6e2","parentId",5581418,"title","Parowan planning commission reviews draft short‑term rental code amid concerns over fees, occupancy and inspections","audioSeconds",2994,"startMs",189000,"endMs",3183000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5581418-c8809c6e56c47bd2e283b41bea26c6e2&start=189&end=3183","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5581418-c8809c6e56c47bd2e283b41bea26c6e2/thumbnail_189000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6139163/Utah/Parowan-planning-commission-reviews-draft-shortterm-rental-code-amid-concerns-over-fees-occupancy-and-inspections","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6139163-3cdd25a50cba3cd9a13c97038daa0b4d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770506085&Signature=BHkcXxnC7qe4gYMN9wmE85wbjxtiO-88O~NHVjO4UPmLLER50aE-Zvbswlal0ruQRun4CuWCr~G6vtcNcYE4h1-Uaio8sCqb8GzzQRlqQq86mmVGk9iIrrptvb4BFA6c7OKy6fX0FHD24-yEqFud5hZyH7BRpcFA4mnQZb2zcnho68xZNG1XrdvGOQ7PpwGBJ5RcTbaRH-wnpONjpEYXX~3d4IG1uumdPynx25t1OEcErTK6uTDVn9YRAFJj-Yl31OQcavy6M62acBEDrIWB8sU9CFimVGhiwibHH-Nt1qvd-0TYYpvozpm8I-YJ5c50grwXGY2G9NRSu5KoZMA4Ug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-08-07T12:57:34Z","article","Parowan — At a public hearing Aug. 6, 2025, Parowan planning staff presented a draft short‑term rental (STR) code and commissioners heard about an array of concerns from residents and business representatives, but the commission took no final vote on the ordinance.

Dan (planning staff) summarized the draft, saying the code’s stated purpose is to “allow STRs while preserving rural character and housing supply” and to “promote responsible ownership and accountability.” He outlined where STRs would be allowed, core operational rules, inspection and enforcement steps and appeals procedures.

The draft would require an annual Parowan business license, registration for state and local transient room tax accounts, a posted Good Neighbor policy, a local contact who can respond within a 30–60 minute window, two off‑street parking spaces minimum, a maximum of one guest per 200 square feet of livable space (noted in the draft as per the International Fire Code), safety inspections before licensing and every two years thereafter, fines of $250/$500/$1,000 for repeat violations and license‑revocation review after two violations in 12 months. The draft also allows monitoring services to identify advertised listings and gives license denials or revocations a 30‑day appeal to the planning commission.

Why it matters: the code would create a city regulatory framework where only a business license and remittance of lodging tax previously existed, and it would affect homeowners who rent properties short term, neighborhood character and local tourism revenue.

Most important details

- Areas/zoning: The draft lists allowed zones (A‑1, R‑1, R‑1A, R‑2, R‑3, GC‑1 and future Downtown Commercial 1) and prohibits STRs in Highway Services 1, I and M zones and in temporary dwellings (RVs, tents). ADUs may be allowed when ADU rules permit; prior ADU rules may bar an ADU when the primary residence is an STR. (Dan, planning staff)
- Licensing and registration: Annual Parowan business license required; licenses non‑transferable; registration for transient room tax accounts required. Existing STRs with valid licenses before ordinance adoption would be grandfathered but must meet current rules; unlicensed STRs at adoption would apply as new. (Dan)
- Operations: Good Neighbor policy must be posted in the unit; a local contact must be available to respond within 30–60 minutes; trash, parking and noise rules apply; no amplified outdoor sound and compliance with the 10 p.m.–7 a.m. noise ordinance; “no unapproved events or parties” above occupancy/parking without city staff approval. (Dan)
- Inspections and enforcement: Preissuance safety inspection and biennial renewals conducted using a checklist administered by the fire department; progressive fines listed in the draft, and monitoring services may be used per state law to find advertised listings. Appeals go to the planning commission within 30 days. (Dan)

Public comments and concerns

Residents and local business representatives voiced questions or objections about several specifics in the draft:

- Local response time: “I question the value of a window that says 30 to 60 minutes,” said Larry Zajac, a Parowan resident, asking whether arrivals in 20 minutes would be counted as a violation.
- Occupancy limit: Tricia Harris, director of the Parowan–Brian Head Area Chamber of Commerce, urged reconsideration of the occupancy rule, saying, “The proposed limit of 1 person per 200 square feet is too restrictive, especially in Utah,” and stressing family gatherings and local jobs supported by STRs.
- Fees and inspection costs: Longtime STR host Bob Whitelaw cautioned that inspection fees and enhanced license fees could burden small local operators and compared Parowan to more heavily regulated resort towns.
- Parking and parties: Commenters asked how parking requirements would scale with larger properties and suggested linking parking standards to occupancy so that properties with more off‑street area could accommodate larger groups; several speakers asked for clearer rules and a process for exceptions.
- Data and counts: Several commenters (including property owner Lana Langhart) said the city’s current count of STRs may understate the true number and asked for a clear timeline for implementation and public access to inspection checklists.

Staff clarifications and next steps

Dan and other staff clarified that fees have not been set and would be placed on the city’s annual fee schedule by city council resolution, meaning any specific dollar amounts the draft referenced remain subject to council action. Dan said the commission and staff plan to publish the inspection checklist and to give existing operators time to come into compliance rather than immediate enforcement \"on day one.\" He estimated a possible 1–2 month timeline from commission recommendation to council action but said that timeline depends on whether the commission asks for further edits or tables the item.

Unresolved items the commission flagged for further work included whether to keep a proposed citywide cap of 10 percent of housing units, whether to keep a proposed 300‑foot spacing requirement between STRs, finer distinctions for tiny homes/ADUs and how to treat bed‑and‑breakfasts versus STR dwellings.

Discussion vs. decision

The commission held a public hearing and discussion and did not adopt the draft at the Aug. 6 meeting. Staff indicated the code would move to the city council after the commission completes its recommendation; fees and implementation details will be set by council resolution.

What to expect

Staff invited written comments on fees and other specifics and said the inspection form and final draft will be made available to the public. Anyone seeking to influence fee levels or operational details should submit comments to the city clerk for inclusion before the commission forwards a recommendation to the council.

Ending

The commission continued discussion at the end of its Aug. 6 meeting and indicated the STR code will return for further action; staff estimated a likely one‑to‑two month process to finalize the code and for the council to set any fees once the commission forwards its recommendation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Parowan City Planning and Zoning Meeting 8-06-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Parowan — At a public hearing Aug. 6, 2025, Parowan planning staff presented a draft short‑term rental code and commissioners heard about an array of concerns from residents and business representatives, but the commission took no final vote on the ordinance.","taxTitle","Parowan City Council, Parowan City Council, Parowan , Iron County, Utah","taxId",23612,"location","Utah","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6139158,"Parowan planning commission names Shane chair, Jerry pro tempore after leadership change",203,1726000,1929000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5581418-c8809c6e56c47bd2e283b41bea26c6e2&start=1726&end=1929","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5581418-c8809c6e56c47bd2e283b41bea26c6e2/thumbnail_1726000.jpg","/articles/6139158/Utah/Parowan-planning-commission-names-Shane-chair-Jerry-pro-tempore-after-leadership-change","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6139158-28a7161bc5d29d72a6e91002ba671155/orig.mp4?Expires=1770506085&Signature=Zo5FABrQ3mLjbIoJ9~hHRdR4MrTmlrXdqfZOx7Onn55XHbMz1bi2e-Jc5K0XwzWBUY6OOHYhupXIvQUxoZYCVep2A6cMMOPomLG9Xa8me7CyLnZHgUnBu8yWzCqsUkxxF8EkeVuN2AokT21Yz5uJu7-nCu4Hd4FZy~6RsUZPqZMLIzPODN0l6fbW9qMwCgXsb-OT4YH-0NnSAAxy-o1GAZspBY7SSX3Sm~VsuYhoQzCrS4C9h6JmBdP9azR~OSljcIZ~~CqJ~wp0JSRNMKfkDxxvXlEhYojUR89~DZlJgn6lao3AE4Q1d67XUvt1PnB8R1QoT3ROw1o5GXNxgJuvqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parowan — The Parowan Planning Commission appointed a new chair and pro tempore during its Aug. 6 meeting, selecting Shane as chair and Jerry as pro tempore after Jamie asked to step down from the chair role but remain on the commission.

Jamie, who had been serving as chair, told the commission she would step down as chair but remain on the committee. A commissioner noted Jerry’s long involvement with planning and zoning and encouraged consideration. Jerry addressed the commission and said that because of a recent personal loss and his age he did not feel able to take on the full chairmanship: “...it’s a very complicated job, and I don't know if I can make that a commitment at this time because of my personal things and and, my mental and physical health. I'm declining. So I don't I wouldn't mind being pro tem,” he said.

Commissioner Shane then agreed to serve if the commission wished. A motion to appoint Shane as chair and Jerry as pro tempore was moved and seconded, and the commission approved the motion by voice vote.

Why it matters: Planning commission leadership affects meeting management and the scheduling of agenda items, including ongoing work such as the short‑term rental code discussed the same evening.

Details and procedure

- Jamie asked to step down as chair but to remain on the commission.
- A commissioner proposed Shane as chair and Jerry as pro tempore; Jerry declined the chair role for personal reasons and accepted pro tempore duties.
- The commission voted in favor of the motion. Speakers confirmed the change immediately during the meeting.

Ending

Shane assumed the chair duties during the meeting. The leadership change occurred before continued discussion of the STR code and other agenda business.","The Parowan Planning Commission on Aug. 6, 2025 appointed commission member Shane as chair and Jerry as pro tempore after Jamie asked to step down as chair but remain on the commission. The motion passed by voice vote.","actionData","errors"]

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Parowan planning commission reviews draft short‑term rental code amid concerns over fees, occupancy and inspections

Parowan planning commission names Shane chair, Jerry pro tempore after leadership change