Scottsdale mayor lauds collaborative legislative process
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Scottsdale will require short-term rental property operators to obtain and maintain a local license, conduct sex offender background checks on booking guests, carry liability insurance and provide neighbor notification — all part of Scottsdale City Council’s newly adopted vacation rental ordinance.
The local governing board voted unanimously in favor of the revised version of Ordinance No. 4566 during an Oct. 25 public hearing at City Hall, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
The newly adopted updated legal mechanisms in-tune with Arizona Senate Bill 1168, which was passed by the Arizona legislature and signed into law by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey.
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Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega lauded the collaborative approach that made the new ordinance possible.
“This ordinance resulted from months of collaboration, and I am confident it will make a positive impact in our community,” he said in a prepared statement.
Mayor Ortega offered the new rules include feedback from the public and short-term rental owners, meanwhile municipal staff developed a set of local rules and regulations that will improve safety and livability in local neighborhoods.
“Scottsdale’s vacation rental ordinance includes every measure granted under state law, including mandatory registration for rental properties in Scottsdale,” he said. “Failure to do so can lead to severe consequences, and the ordinance improves our ability to hold rental property owners accountable for activity at their properties as well.
Arizona law allows municipalities to regulate short-term rentals for the purposes of protecting the public’s health and safety, city officials say.
Key safety provisions part of Ordinance No. 4566 include:
- requiring pool barriers,
- providing working smoke alarms and a map showing exit/egress,
- and pest control, cleaning, trash and garbage compliance.
Non-residential usage continues to be prohibited, and the requirement that emergency contacts respond at the request of public safety staff remains in place as well. Effective Jan. 8, 2023, all short-term rentals will need a Scottsdale license to operate in the city in addition to fulfilling Maricopa County and Arizona registration requirements.
Licenses will be available from the city starting Monday, Nov. 28, 2022.
Editor’s note: This information first appeared at scottsdaleaz.gov and was reported by Assistant City Manager Brent Stockwell.
