Scottsdale adds event-center rule to short-term rental code

Scottsdale is adding a new enforcement tool for short-term rentals that are used for commercial parties and other event-style gatherings, just before the July 4 weekend.

On June 23, the City Council approved Ordinance No. 4719. The change adds a formal definition of “event center” to the Scottsdale Revised Code so the city can better enforce existing bans on short-term rentals being used for nonresidential purposes.

What the ordinance covers

The definition includes weddings, receptions, banquets, corporate events, promotional events and conferences. Scottsdale says ordinary residential gatherings tied to lawful occupancy are not the target.

The city’s short-term-rental rules already prohibit nonresidential uses such as retail, restaurants, banquet space and event centers. The new language gives police and staff clearer footing when a rental is marketed like a commercial venue.

Why residents are likely to notice

In a June 22 city update, Scottsdale said police issued 56 charges and citations in May and responded to 48 nuisance-related calls involving short-term rentals. Those calls included loud parties, criminal investigations, assaults and welfare concerns.

The city’s residents guide says neighbors should first contact the property’s emergency contact. If that does not solve the problem, residents can call Scottsdale police’s non-emergency line. Property violations can also be reported to code enforcement.

AZFamily reported July 2 that the ordinance arrived ahead of the Fourth of July, one of the busiest short-term-rental weekends of the year. For hosts, the takeaway is simple: Scottsdale is making its line between ordinary residential use and event-venue use more explicit.

Sources

• City of Scottsdale: Short-term rental ordinance update
• AZFamily: Scottsdale cracks down on short-term rental party houses