We work with a lot of clients who dream of owning a vacation home in Park City and offsetting some of their carrying costs by renting out their home when they are not using it.
But here’s the catch: not all neighborhoods in the Park City area allow vacation rentals. In fact, rental regulations vary significantly depending on whether the home is in Park City proper or in unincorporated Summit County. Understanding these rules is crucial if you want to generate rental income from your property.
I’ll walk you through where short-term rentals (7 days or less) are allowed, what you need to know before you buy, and which neighborhoods are best suited for lifestyle + investment potential.
Short-Term Rental Rules in Park City vs. Snyderville Basin
First things first: let’s talk regulations.
- In Park City (within city limits – zip code 84060), vacation rentals for less than 30 days are allowed in certain zones with a valid nightly rental license issued by the city.
- In Snyderville Basin (unincorporated Summit County – zip code 84098), short-term rentals (defined as less than 30 days) require a Summit County Nightly Rental License — but they are only allowed in zones where nightly rentals are a permitted use.
- HOAs can override everything. Even if a city or county allows nightly rentals, many neighborhoods and condominiums have HOA rules that prohibit or restrict rentals of less than 30 days.
If you’re planning to buy a property to rent it out for a week or less, you need to verify three things:
- Zoning allows nightly rentals
- Licensing is available and in place
- HOA or CCRs allow rentals under 30 days
As a local real estate agent, I can tell you that many owners offer their property as a vacation rental in a neighborhood where such rentals are not permitted. Clients often use these VRBO listings as proof that they are allowed. Currently, although vacation rentals may not be permitted in a neighborhood through the CCRs, not all HOAs are enforcing their own rules. However, I always caution clients that if the HOA decides to get serious, they could quickly be out of business.
Where you buy is as important as what you buy. It’s always best to buy a vacation or short-term rental in the areas where they are encouraged and allowed.
Best Park City Neighborhoods for Short-Term Rentals
You will quickly notice that the best neighborhoods for vacation rentals are those adjacent to our ski resorts. These are the more “touristy” parts of town.
1. Old Town (Park City)
Old Town is the historic heart of Park City, with charming mining-era homes, ski-in/ski-out condos, and walkability to Main Street’s restaurants and shops.
Why it works for short-term rentals:
Old Town is within the Park City municipal boundary and includes zones that allow nightly rentals. Many homes are already licensed as vacation rentals.
What to watch out for:
Not all parts of Old Town are zoned for nightly rentals. You’ll need to check the city’s zoning map or consult with your agent. Some condominiums and HOAs may require a minimum stay (e.g., 3 nights or 7 nights) or may restrict rentals altogether.
2. Deer Valley Resort Area
This area includes neighborhoods like Lower Deer Valley, Silver Lake Village, and Empire Pass, known for luxury ski-in/ski-out homes and condos.
Why it works for short-term rentals:
Deer Valley is a top destination for vacationers seeking luxury and convenience. Many developments here cater to nightly or weekly vacationers and offer amenities like ski valets, housekeeping, and concierge services. It’s common to see 3-night minimums, but one-week rentals are typically allowed and in high demand.
What to watch out for:
Some subdivisions and luxury HOAs have stricter rules. Always check the CCRs to confirm rental term minimums.
3. Canyons Village / Kimball Junction
Located in the Snyderville Basin, the Canyons area includes newer developments like Fairway Springs, Silverado Lodge, Juniper Landing, and Sundial Lodge. Kimball Junction includes Redstone and Newpark.
Why it works for short-term rentals:
Canyons Village is one of the few areas in unincorporated Summit County that clearly allows nightly rentals. Many properties here are specifically built as vacation rentals or second homes. Shorter stays (3-7 days) are very common, and vacation rental demand is strong year-round.
What to watch out for:
Even in this more “rental-friendly” area, some buildings may have HOA rules that limit the number of bookings per month or require a 7-night minimum. Make sure your unit falls within the allowed nightly rental zoning and that the HOA supports your intended use.
4. Snyderville Basin (Unincorporated Summit County)
The broader Snyderville Basin includes neighborhoods like Jeremy Ranch, Pinebrook, Silver Springs, Summit Park, and Sun Peak. These areas are mostly residential and located outside city limits.
Why it might work for short-term rentals:
A few pockets of the Basin — especially near resorts — allow short-term rentals, and there are some properties that operate with valid nightly rental licenses.
Why it’s tricky:
Many neighborhoods in the Snyderville Basin do not allow rentals of less than 30 days. Zoning may prohibit nightly rentals altogether, and HOAs often follow suit. The county requires licensing, but you can’t get a license if your property isn’t in a qualifying zone.
What to do:
If you’re considering a property in the Basin, verify:
- The zoning permits nightly rentals
- The HOA (if applicable) allows short-term stays
- The rental term is 7 days or less
In many residential neighborhoods like Jeremy Ranch or Silver Springs, short-term rentals are either restricted or not allowed at all, but as mentioned above, some owners are still doing them.
What to Ask Before You Buy a Vacation Rental
If you’re hoping to use your Park City home as a short-term rental — especially for one week or less — make sure to ask these questions:
- Is the property in a zone that allows nightly rentals (under 30 days)?
- Does the city or county offer the required nightly rental license?
- What are the HOA or CCR rules regarding rental length and frequency?
- Is there a minimum stay requirement? (Some require 7, 14, or 30 days.)
- Are there any existing bookings that would transfer with the sale?
- Is on-site or local 24/7 property management required?
- Is there adequate parking, trash service, and noise control?
Final Thoughts: Buy Smart, Rent Smart
Buying a home in Park City is a dream come true for many people. And if you want to generate income by renting the property when you’re not using it, understanding the rules around short-term rentals is essential.
If you’re interested in owning a vacation rental property in Park City, there is a lot to know! We didn’t even get into projected rental income, which greatly varies and is a topic we have written about in the past. As local experts, we know the best neighborhoods and condominium projects for generating rental income. We also know those with the most attractive HOA fees. And finally, we also connect our clients with professional property managers.
Please reach out if you would like to learn more!