NE Valley Times

Three proposals from Scottsdale aimed at strengthening local authority over short-term rental properties have been adopted into the League of Arizona Cities and Towns 2024 Legislative Agenda. These proposals seek to address the negative impacts of short-term rentals on neighborhoods by asking the Arizona Legislature to amend state law. The changes would allow local governments to cap the number of short-term rentals, limit their density in certain areas, and establish separation requirements between them.

"Mayors throughout Arizona recite horror stories about negative impacts of STRs," said Scottsdale Mayor David D. Ortega. "The undercutting of housing, shattered neighborhoods, blockage of pathways and undermining permanent resident population, which erode federal and state revenue sharing, are undeniable.”

In 2017, a state law pre-empted local control over these properties, nullifying municipal ordinances like Scottsdale's previous ban on rentals shorter than 30 days. Some smaller communities report that short-term rentals now make up nearly 15% of their housing stock.

Tourist destinations such as Scottsdale and Sedona face challenges managing the influx of these properties in areas that were once quiet neighborhoods for families and retirees.

With backing from the League's 91 member communities, Scottsdale plans to advocate for these legislative measures during the 2024 session of the Arizona Legislature.

Further information about short-term rental properties in Scottsdale can be found at ScottsdaleAZ.gov by searching “short-term rentals.”