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Manti residents, hoteliers and hosts weigh in on draft short-term rental rules
Summary
During an April 15 public hearing, residents and short-term rental hosts raised concerns about corporate purchases, enforcement and grandfathering; councilmembers debated occupancy limits and language about affordability.
Mayor Mary Wintch opened a public hearing on a proposed short-term rental ordinance, describing the draft as intended to address neighborhood disruptions while balancing community benefits.
Comments from residents and hosts showed a range of concerns. Heather Weiss, who said she serves on the planning commission, told the council she has received complaints that STRs can hurt hotels and motels and that recurring neighborhood problems include noise, lights, traffic congestion, parking and trash; she urged that an owner or an on-call contact be available 24/7 to respond to complaints. Several residents asked whether hotels, motels or bed-and-breakfasts would be excluded; others asked whether campgrounds would be affected.
Multiple hosts and property owners worried about whether existing STRs or properties with business licenses would be grandfathered under the new rules. Rylar Masco’s emailed comments, read by City Manager Jason Brown, said he has operated STRs in Manti since 2023, described host-managed rules (parking, quiet hours) and asked that the ordinance or posted rules accompany reservations so guests know expectations. He asked the council to reconsider a restriction that would limit occupancy to 10 people in a five-bedroom home and suggested enforcement provisions for drugs, alcohol and smoking during quiet hours.
Council discussion focused on specific wording. Councilmember Mary Pipes asked that a purpose clause phrase — “help promote affordable living” — be removed. Councilmember Jennifer Christiansen asked whether the 10-person limit could be increased to 15 or adjusted to count only adults rather than children; other residents, including Cassie Worwood, supported counting only adults for occupancy tallies.
Mayor Wintch closed the STR hearing at 7:28 p.m. Staff and council members indicated additional drafting and clarification will be needed on grandfathering, occupancy counting and enforcement responsibilities; no formal ordinance vote occurred at the meeting.
