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🏠 Short-Term Rentals/Permit Requirements

Permit Requirements: Gilbert vs Mesa

How do permit requirements rules compare between Gilbert, AZ and Mesa, AZ?

Gilbert has fewer restrictions than Mesa.

Gilbert, AZ

Maricopa County

Some Restrictions

Gilbert requires all STR properties to obtain and maintain a license since June 2023 in response to SB 1168. The town partners with GovOS for the licensing platform. Arizona ARS §9-500.39 preempts cities from banning STRs.

View full Gilbert rules →

Mesa, AZ

Maricopa County

Heavy Restrictions

Mesa requires every short-term and vacation rental owner to hold a City Short-Term Rental License under Mesa City Code Title 5, Chapter 15, effective February 1, 2023. The license costs $250, requires $500,000 in liability insurance, and operators must notify neighbors within 200 feet before the first booking. The ordinance operates within the limits set by Arizona's state STR preemption statute, A.R.S. Section 9-500.39.

View full Mesa rules →

Key Facts Comparison

FactGilbertMesa
LicenseRequired since June 2023-
PlatformGovOS-
State LawARS §9-500.39 (can't ban)-
Hotline480-503-6787-
Code Section-Mesa City Code Title 5, Chapter 15 (effective Feb. 1, 2023)
License Fee-$250 annual
Liability Insurance-$500,000 minimum per occurrence
Neighbor Notification-Required to all owners within 200 feet before first booking
Emergency Contact-24-hour local contact, 1-hour response
State Preemption Framework-A.R.S. Section 9-500.39
Civil Penalties-$500 / $1,000 / $2,000 escalating per verified violation

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Gilbert FAQ

Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Gilbert?

Gilbert requires all STR properties to obtain and maintain a license since June 2023 in response to SB 1168. The town partners with GovOS for the licensing platform. Arizona ARS §9-500.39 preempts cities from banning STRs.

What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Gilbert?

License: Required since June 2023. Platform: GovOS. State Law: ARS §9-500.39 (can't ban). Hotline: 480-503-6787.

Mesa FAQ

Do I need a permit to operate a short-term rental in Mesa?

Yes. Every property rented for periods of less than 30 days must hold a current City of Mesa Short-Term Rental License under Mesa City Code Title 5, Chapter 15, in addition to an Arizona Department of Revenue Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license and Maricopa County Assessor residential rental registration. The license is issued by the City of Mesa Business Services Department and must be renewed annually.

How much does the Mesa STR license cost?

The Mesa Short-Term Rental License fee is $250 per year. The license is issued under Chapter 15 of Title 5 of the Mesa City Code and must be renewed annually. Operators also pay separate state and county taxes, including the Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax on rental receipts.

What insurance does Mesa require for an STR?

Mesa requires a minimum of $500,000 in liability insurance per occurrence covering the short-term rental use of the property. Proof of coverage must be submitted with the license application and maintained for the life of the license. This is in addition to mandatory neighbor notification within 200 feet, a 24-hour local emergency contact, and compliance with Arizona's state STR framework under A.R.S. Section 9-500.39.

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