Comparent
RestrictedCity

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Scottsdale, AZ

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Allowed by state law and permitted by-right in Scottsdale residential districts subject to city licensing and operational conditions. Owners must rent the entire dwelling (including any accessory guest house) together, occupancy is capped at a maximum family size of 6 adults and related dependent children, must register with Maricopa County per ARS 33-1902, provide a 24-hour emergency contact, maintain liability insurance of at least $500,000, and perform neighbor notification within 30 days of licensure.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Obtain an Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license from the Department of Revenue. 2) Apply for a Scottsdale license via the Accela online portal, providing property/owner info and paying the $250 annual fee. 3) Within 30 days of issuance, notify neighbors and upload the required attestation, and ensure the property is registered with Maricopa County.

Regulatory Updates — Scottsdale

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedSeptember 2022

Arizona STR Preemption Law — ARS 9-500.39

Arizona's STR preemption law (effective 2017, updated 2022) prevents cities and counties from prohibiting STRs or enacting regulations that are more restrictive than state law. Scottsdale and other cities retain the ability to regulate noise, nuisance, and occupancy, but cannot ban STRs in residential zones.

Official source
PassedApril 2024

Scottsdale STR Nuisance Ordinance — Enhanced Penalties

Scottsdale updated its nuisance ordinance to impose stricter fines for STR-related noise and party complaints. Three substantiated complaints within 12 months can result in license suspension. The city has designated STR enforcement officers.

Official source
PassedJuly 2024

Proposed 6-Adult Occupancy Cap Legal Challenge

A coalition of STR operators challenged the state's 6-adults-per-bedroom occupancy cap as an unreasonable restriction on property rights. The Arizona Court of Appeals upheld the cap in 2024, finding it within the state's regulatory authority.

Official Resources

Official Scottsdale STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Arizona Short-Term Rental Association (AzSTRA)Statewide

Statewide organization representing Arizona STR hosts and managers. Played a key role in drafting and defending Arizona's preemption law and monitors municipal enforcement patterns.

Scottsdale Area Association of RealtorsLocal

The local Realtor association tracks Scottsdale STR regulations and provides resources for members who own or manage STR properties.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association with strong Arizona chapter presence, monitoring state preemption law developments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Scottsdale, AZ?
Allowed by state law and permitted by-right in Scottsdale residential districts subject to city licensing and operational conditions. Owners must rent the entire dwelling (including any accessory guest house) together, occupancy is capped at a maximum family size of 6 adults and related dependent children, must register with Maricopa County per ARS 33-1902, provide a 24-hour emergency contact, maintain liability insurance of at least $500,000, and perform neighbor notification within 30 days of licensure.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Scottsdale?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Scottsdale. 1) Obtain an Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license from the Department of Revenue. 2) Apply for a Scottsdale license via the Accela online portal, providing property/owner info and paying the $250 annual fee. 3) Within 30 days of issuance, notify neighbors and upload the required attestation, and ensure the property is registered with Maricopa County.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Scottsdale?
1) Obtain an Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license from the Department of Revenue. 2) Apply for a Scottsdale license via the Accela online portal, providing property/owner info and paying the $250 annual fee. 3) Within 30 days of issuance, notify neighbors and upload the required attestation, and ensure the property is registered with Maricopa County.
Can Scottsdale ban short-term rentals?
No. Arizona's state preemption law (ARS 9-500.39) prevents Scottsdale and other Arizona municipalities from prohibiting STRs in residential areas. The city can regulate STRs through nuisance ordinances, noise rules, and occupancy standards, but cannot enact an outright ban. This makes Arizona — and Scottsdale specifically — one of the most legally stable STR markets in the country.
What registration is required to operate an STR in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale STR operators must (1) obtain an Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue, (2) register the property with Maricopa County as a vacation rental, and (3) comply with Scottsdale's local STR registration requirements. Failure to register properly can result in fines and loss of operating authority even under the state's preemption protections.
What is the occupancy limit for STRs in Scottsdale?
Arizona state law caps STR occupancy at the greater of (a) 6 adults, or (b) 2 adults per bedroom. For a 3-bedroom home, the maximum would be 6 adults (the lower of the two thresholds). This is a statewide rule that Scottsdale cannot override. Additional occupancy restrictions may apply during major events under Scottsdale's special event ordinances.
Comparent

Looking for property managers in Scottsdale, AZ?

Compare top-rated short-term rental managers on Comparent — read reviews, see pricing, and find the right fit.

View Property Managers

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction