Is Kimball Junction, Utah Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Kimball Junction, Utah, begin by researching Summit County's short-term rental regulations, which require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and business license, with properties limited to a maximum of 30 rental days per year in residential zones unless grandfathered or in specific commercial areas. Contact Summit County Planning Department to verify zoning compliance and apply for the CUP ($500-800 fee), then obtain a Summit County business license ($50-100) and register for Utah state tax ID for collecting transient room tax (approximately 12.75% total including state and local taxes). Find a suitable property within approved zones, considering proximity to Park City Mountain Resort and Olympic Park for maximum appeal, with condos and single-family homes typically ranging $400,000-$1.5 million in the area. Furnish the property with mountain-themed decor, quality linens, full kitchen amenities, ski storage, and outdoor gear storage, budgeting $15,000-30,000 for complete furnishing. Create listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and local platforms like Park City Lodging, highlighting proximity to world-class skiing, Olympic venues, and year-round outdoor activities, with professional photography showcasing mountain views and seasonal activities. Implement management systems including 24/7 guest communication, coordinate with local cleaning services (typically $100-150 per turnover), partner with maintenance providers familiar with mountain property challenges like snow removal and heating systems, and consider hiring local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa who charge 15-25% commission but handle Summit County compliance requirements and seasonal demand fluctuations.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Kimball Junction, Utah, focus on properties within 1-2 miles of Park City Mountain Resort and Main Street, prioritizing locations with easy ski shuttle access and mountain views since this area serves as a gateway to Park City's ski resorts. Target 2-4 bedroom condos or townhomes built after 2000 with amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, updated kitchens, and ski storage, as these features command premium rates during peak ski season (December-March) and summer months (June-August). Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue exceeds long-term rental income by at least 40-60%, with successful properties typically generating $150-400+ per night depending on size and amenities. Research competition by studying similar properties within a 2-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, noting occupancy rates, pricing strategies, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local Park City vacation rental management companies like RedAwning or Park City Lodging for market insights, while consulting with Summit County planning department regarding STR regulations and HOA restrictions, as many developments in Kimball Junction have specific short-term rental policies that could impact profitability.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Kimball Junction, Utah, you must apply through Summit County's Planning Department since Kimball Junction falls under unincorporated Summit County jurisdiction. Begin by submitting a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application online through Summit County's website or in person at 60 North Main Street, Coalville, UT 84017. Required documents include a completed CUP application, site plan showing parking and access, floor plans, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, HOA approval if applicable, septic system approval for properties not on municipal sewer, and a $1,500 application fee plus $200 for each additional unit. The process typically takes 60-90 days and includes a public hearing before the Planning Commission. Specific Kimball Junction requirements include maintaining adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces per unit), ensuring compliance with fire safety codes, obtaining a business license from Summit County, registering with the Utah State Tax Commission for transient room tax collection, and adhering to occupancy limits based on bedrooms and septic capacity. Once approved, you must also obtain a Summit County business license ($50 annually) and comply with ongoing reporting requirements including quarterly tax filings and annual permit renewals.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Kimball Junction, Utah, but operate under Summit County's regulations which were updated in 2021-2022 to address growing concerns about housing availability and neighborhood impacts. The area allows STRs in most residential zones but requires operators to obtain a conditional use permit, maintain a business license, and comply with occupancy limits typically capped at 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Properties must meet safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, while operators must provide 24/7 contact information and respond to complaints within 30 minutes. Recent changes have included stricter enforcement mechanisms, increased fees, and enhanced neighbor notification requirements, with Summit County implementing a cap on the total number of STR permits in certain areas to preserve long-term housing stock. The regulations also mandate that STRs cannot operate in deed-restricted affordable housing units and must comply with parking requirements and noise ordinances, reflecting the county's effort to balance tourism revenue with community livability concerns in this popular ski resort area near Park City.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Kimball Junction, Utah are the Redstone and Bear Hollow neighborhoods, which offer prime proximity to Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons Village, making them highly attractive to ski tourists during winter months and mountain bikers during summer seasons. The Promontory area provides luxury appeal with golf course access and upscale amenities that attract high-end leisure travelers year-round, while properties near the Kimball Junction transit center benefit from easy access to Park City's Main Street and Deer Valley Resort via the free bus system. The Silver Springs and Jeremy Ranch neighborhoods offer excellent value propositions with family-friendly accommodations that appeal to group bookings during major events like the Sundance Film Festival in January, Park City Food & Wine Festival, and various summer concerts at venues like Brandon Amphitheater, with these areas also benefiting from corporate retreat bookings due to proximity to tech companies and conference facilities in the greater Salt Lake City area.

Airbnb properties in Kimball Junction, Utah are subject to multiple lodging taxes including Utah state transient room tax of 4.25%, Summit County transient room tax of approximately 3%, and local Park City municipal lodging tax of around 2.5%, totaling roughly 9.75% in combined occupancy taxes as of 2023. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system and remitted to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts, though individual hosts should verify their registration requirements with Utah State Tax Commission and Summit County. The taxes apply to stays of less than 30 consecutive days, with exemptions generally limited to monthly rentals exceeding 30 days, certain government employees on official business, and some nonprofit organization stays. Hosts must obtain a Utah sales tax license and may need local business licenses, with remittance typically occurring monthly or quarterly depending on volume, and penalties apply for late payments or non-compliance with registration requirements.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Kimball Junction, Utah would be approximately $850,000-$950,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $750,000-$850,000 for a median-priced condo or townhome in this Park City area, given its proximity to ski resorts and tourist attractions. Furnishing costs would range $25,000-$35,000 for quality furniture, appliances, linens, and décor suitable for vacation rental guests. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials would cost $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, transient room tax registration, and potential HOA approval would total $1,500-$2,500. Insurance for short-term rental coverage would cost $3,000-$4,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable would require $1,000-$1,500. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($1,200/month), cleaning services ($150 per turnover with estimated 15 turnovers), property management or platform fees (3% of gross revenue), maintenance reserves, and supplies would total approximately $15,000-$20,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Kimball Junction, Utah demonstrate strong profitability potential due to the area's proximity to Park City ski resorts and year-round outdoor recreation activities. Properties in this market typically generate $45,000-$85,000 in annual revenue, with 2-3 bedroom condos averaging $180-$320 per night during peak ski season (December-March) and $120-$200 during summer months. Operating expenses generally run 35-45% of gross revenue, including property management fees (20-25%), cleaning costs ($75-$125 per turnover), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($2,500-$4,000 annually), and maintenance reserves. Net profit margins typically range from 25-40% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts achieving occupancy rates of 65-80% annually. Key success factors include proximity to Canyons Village or Park City Mountain Resort (properties within 2 miles command 15-25% premium rates), professional photography, dynamic pricing strategies, and amenities like hot tubs, ski storage, and mountain views. A case study of a 3-bedroom townhome purchased for $650,000 in 2019 generated $72,000 in 2022 revenue with $28,000 in expenses, yielding a 6.8% cash-on-cash return plus property appreciation, though recent market softening and increased competition have compressed margins by 10-15% compared to 2021-2022 peak performance.

Based on Kimball Junction, Utah market data, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the area's proximity to Park City ski resorts and year-round tourism demand. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties averaging $200-400 per night during peak ski season (December-March) and $150-250 during summer months. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with luxury properties near Canyons Village and Park City Mountain Resort commanding premium rates up to $500+ per night. The market benefits from consistent occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, driven by major events like Sundance Film Festival, summer outdoor activities, and proximity to Salt Lake City International Airport. Properties purchased in 2020-2022 have shown particularly strong performance, with some investors reporting 20%+ returns due to increased demand for vacation rentals and limited inventory in the Park City area.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors, including in the Kimball Junction, Utah area. Local real estate agents who focus on investment properties in the Park City region include Summit Sotheby's International Realty, Engel & Völkers Park City, and Park City Real Estate agents who understand the STR market dynamics. Vacasa, founded in 2009, provides property management services and can help identify investment opportunities, while AirDNA offers market data and analytics for short-term rental investments in ski resort areas like Kimball Junction. RedAwning and AvantStay also provide services for STR property identification and management. Local property management companies such as Park City Property Management and Summit County Vacation Rentals have expertise in the area's rental market and can guide investors toward profitable properties. National services like Mashvisor and BiggerPockets also provide investment analysis tools and networking opportunities for investors looking at mountain resort markets like Park City and Kimball Junction.