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Council adopts tightened short‑term rental rules and directs tracking software purchase; training to be approved by council
Summary
The Sandy City Council approved two ordinances Feb. 4 that tighten short‑term rental (STR) licensing and development code requirements, authorize purchase of monitoring software, and direct the city to create or select a short‑term rental training program subject to council approval. Both votes passed 7–0.
Sandy — The Sandy City Council voted unanimously Feb. 4 to tighten short‑term rental rules and to authorize the city to acquire STR tracking software and require operator training subject to later council approval.
Council voted 7–0 to adopt Ordinance 25‑0‑8, which amends Title 15 (Business Licensing) Chapter 11 to strengthen annual renewal verification and clarify business licensing provisions for STRs. Council then voted 7–0 to adopt Ordinance 25‑0‑9, which amends Title 21 (Development Code) provisions governing STRs, clarifies occupancy and maintenance standards, and directs staff to pursue STR‑tracking software and an operator training program.
Zoning Administrator Melissa Anderson summarized key changes: consolidation of application requirements, an owner compliance certification, a short‑term rental manager/management certification requirement, tightened maintenance standards including adherence to noise‑control rules and required operational smoke/CO alarms, and a clarified occupancy cap (a flat maximum of eight renters in any STR).
Council debated several technical points. Members discussed whether the eight‑occupant cap was arbitrary or unenforceable and suggested alternatives such as square‑footage or per‑bedroom ratios; several council members asked staff to return with analysis. Members also sought language broadening the ordinance’s nuisance and enforcement references beyond noise to better address other recurring complaints.
On enforcement, staff noted that the city recently established an administrative law judge (ALJ) process for enforcement hearings; council members said the ALJ provides an additional route for administrative penalties when staff develop required evidentiary records. Anderson and legal counsel confirmed that renewal verification and targeted enforcement would be phased in and that staff would notify existing license holders about new requirements.
The council also authorized staff to proceed with acquiring STR‑tracking software (estimates discussed in staff material were in the mid‑five‑figure range depending on options); the motion directed that operator training be provided by a city‑selected or city‑produced program and that the final training be returned to council for approval.
The votes: Ordinance 25‑0‑8 (Title 15 business licensing amendments) passed 7–0 on a motion by Council Member Zach Robinson with a second by Council Member Ryan Meekum. Ordinance 25‑0‑9 (Title 21 development code changes including STR software and training direction) passed 7–0 on the same mover and seconder. The roll call recorded yes votes from Robinson, Meekum, Brooke D'Souza, Aaron DeKeyser, Allison Stroud, Marcy Hausman and Cindy Sharkey.
Why it matters: The changes aim to close enforcement gaps identified in prior years by clarifying application and renewal requirements, strengthening maintenance and safety standards, and providing digital tools to identify unpermitted STR listings online. Council members said the changes are intended to protect neighborhoods while allowing lawful STR operations.
Next steps: Staff will notify existing license holders of new requirements and return draft training materials for council approval. The city will also scope and (subject to funds and procurement processes) purchase STR tracking software to assist enforcement.
