Council considers buying Granicus compliance software to identify unlicensed short‑term rentals and asks short‑term rental committee for owner‑occupancy options

Cottonwood Heights staff proposed buying Granicus host‑compliance software to identify unlicensed short‑term rentals (STRs) and support enforcement. The package’s estimated annual license is about $22,600 after the state purchased an address‑verification module that lowers the city‑level cost.

Staff suggested two priorities for the software: (1) bring existing but unlicensed STRs in allowed zones into compliance so the city can collect transient room tax and licensing revenue, and (2) identify and eliminate whole‑home STRs in single‑family zones. The mayor and council discussed owner‑occupancy definitions used by nearby cities (Sandy, Brighton) — including proof of residence documentation and maximum nights per year — and asked the short‑term rental committee to prepare recommended owner‑occupancy language that the council would consider before the next busy season.

Council members said they prefer gathering data before enacting new prohibitions, noting Granicus can identify a significant share of active listings by fall. One councilmember said the committee should not spend staff time drafting policies the council will not support. Council directed staff to pursue a budget amendment to buy the software, bring forward an owner‑occupancy definition (Sandy’s definition and other best practices will be considered), and move the STR committee forward with an anticipated timeline to provide recommendations ahead of the winter/early‑season booking period.

Next steps: staff will prepare a budget amendment for the purchase, the STR committee will return with owner‑occupancy definitions and enforcement proposals, and staff will coordinate data timelines with Granicus’ implementation schedule in the fall.