Every new short-term rental permit approved in Draper would automatically trigger notifications to Draper Fire and Draper Police under a proposed ordinance that also mandates fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors in every unit.

The City Council voted 5-0 on Monday, July 21, to continue Ordinance #1721 to a future meeting, keeping the measure alive but not yet enacted. The same night, the council unanimously approved Resolution #26-33, adopting Good Neighbor Guidelines that instruct guests not to tamper with fire safety equipment and to call Draper Police at (801) 840-4000 for non-emergency issues.

The ordinance, presented by Todd A. Draper, AICP, of Draper City Community Development, has been in the works since March 2025, with work sessions held through June 2026 and a public hearing on June 9 that was also continued.

What the ordinance would require

Under the proposed rules, hosts must be reachable by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week during any rental period. A host or designated decision-maker must be able to reach the property within 30 minutes.

Every unit would need a fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide alarms meeting Fire Code standards. Properties with fire sprinkler systems would face mandatory annual inspections. Electrical panels must remain unobstructed, and house numbers must be visible from the street.

When a permit is approved, the city would send automatic notifications to Draper Fire, Draper Police, and immediately surrounding property owners, including those across rights-of-way.

Hosts would also be required to post a sign near the front entrance, no larger than 8-by-11 inches, listing a name and phone number for urgent response. The sign cannot be used for advertising.

Enforcement teeth

Operating a short-term rental without a permit would carry a $1,000 fine. Permits could be revoked after two citations or charges within 12 months, refusal of inspection, tax delinquency, or a court finding of nuisance.

Hosts must evict guests who violate applicable laws twice or more during a single stay.

Who can rent, and for how long

Renters must be at least 21 years old and present during the rental. Stays must run a minimum of three consecutive nights and fewer than 30 consecutive days. Short-term rentals would be allowed in all residential districts.

What's next

The ordinance will return before the City Council at a future meeting. The next scheduled council sessions are Tuesday, August 4, and Wednesday, August 12, but no confirmed agenda placement for Ordinance #1721 has been announced for either date.

Residents with questions can contact Todd Taylor at Draper City Community Development, (801) 576-6510 or [email protected].