HURRICANE — For many Southern Utah residents, an annoying neighbor might be one with a crowing rooster, a barking dog or loud music in an adjacent apartment. For others, high-performance recreational vehicles speeding down the road and tour bus-sized motorhomes clogging the street would better fit the description.

Washington County has become a hotspot for short-term rentals in the last decade.

Close to Zion National Park, which hosted more than 5 million tourists last year alone, the popularity of homes being bought and built in the area to be rented for vacations has left many city councils with mostly upset residents.

Fred Resch, assistant planner and code enforcement for Hurricane City, told St. George News that the city started using computer software that tracks short-term rental listings on websites such as Airbnb and Vrbo.

In 2022, the city issued 303 residential hosting licenses to homeowners in the city, 113 a result of the tracking technology. More than $10,000 in fines from noncompliant properties were collected during the year. Currently, about two dozen homes in the Hurricane Valley are under investigation for not having a license.

Dennis and Lori Dubois bought their dream home five years ago on the outskirts of Hurricane to retire in the warm weather and enjoy their garden. Shortly after, a house was built across the street and the sound of revving engines became more frequent.

“The worst part is really when they do the ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) and start racing up and down the road,” Lori said. “So, we usually go and tell them to slow down.”

“If I can get out there quick enough,” Dennis added.

They said holidays can get hectic with illegal fireworks and large parties at many of the houses in their neighborhood that can be found listed for rent on many different websites.

Washington County resident Merri Ann Crowther is part of a support group formed to discuss the issues, share stories and speak with politicians on possible solutions for local short-term rental problems.

Crowther said she wonders if cities should limit the number of licenses issued in one neighborhood. In the Adobe Hills subdivision, for instance, three can be found with the ability to house 160 total guests if fully booked.

She also showed pictures to St. George News from support group members of motorhomes blocking streets, children caught on camera jumping walls into neighboring yards and tourists strolling down the private runway used to land airplanes in the Grassy Meadows at Sky Ranch subdivision.

Rental prices range from $150 to more than $1,000 for one night in the area depending on the size of the house and how many people are staying. Many houses online boast the capacity to house between 50-70 guests per night.

Resch said Hurricane City offers two options for those seeking to make extra money from their property inside Hurricane City limits. Residential hosting licenses are available for those looking to rent an extra bedroom or casita on the property where they reside.

Vacation rental licenses are for those renting a whole house and who do not live on the property. The city allows one party of renters per booking, per vacation rental and only issues three full-home vacation rental permits for every 1,000 residents.

“There are currently 68 of these,” Resch stated in his email. “They have to be 300 feet apart from each other, but otherwise there’s no limits on a per neighborhood basis.”

Vacation rentals in Hurricane are not allowed in multifamily zones. Short-term rental licenses and fees must be renewed yearly with an annual fire inspection, Resch added.

When homeowners apply, they must become aware of all rules and regulations, submit a parking plan for approval and adhere to that plan if a license is granted.

Dubois said things haven’t been as bad this year in her neighborhood. The house across the street is still used for vacation rentals, but the new owner pays attention to guests.

“Now we don’t have too many problems,” she said. “A lot of it’s just cars.”

Hurricane City Planning Director Stephen Nelson said those violating the terms of their short-term rental license agreements are subject to a $750 fine for each day of noncompliance.

Washington County resident Mark Hudgens previously described the feeling when hearing a diesel motor on a tour bus to St. George News in an opinion article published in March.

“Blood pressure begins to elevate as thirty plus screaming teenagers depart the bus and fill the yard next door,” Hudgens wrote. “You retreat to your house, your heart racing as you know it’s going to be another challenging weekend. Your wife is standing at the kitchen sink and while she is preparing dinner you see her tears.”

Nelson noted that Hurricane City officials recently set up a hotline for those living inside city limits to report non-compliant short-term rental neighbors and guests. To find out more about short-term rental compliance, visit the Hurricane City website.

To join the Washington County support group for those experiencing stress related to short-term rentals, email Mark Hudgens. To report short-term rental violations to Hurricane City code enforcement, call toll-free at 800-630-6048.

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