ADU Rental Restrictions: Mesa vs Scottsdale
How do adu rental restrictions rules compare between Mesa, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ?
Mesa and Scottsdale have similar restriction levels.
Mesa, AZ
Maricopa County
Mesa permits long-term ADU rentals without registration. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) require a state TPT license and a Mesa STR permit under Mesa City Code regulating vacation rentals consistent with ARS 9-500.39. HB 2720 prohibits ADU-specific bans on rental. HOA CC&Rs in Mesa's master-planned communities may further restrict STR use.
View full Mesa rules →Scottsdale, AZ
Maricopa County
Scottsdale ADUs may be rented for long-term and short-term stays. Ariz. Rev. Stat. Sec. 9-461.18 prohibits Scottsdale from banning short-term rental of ADUs as a category. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) require a Scottsdale STR license under Scottsdale Revised Code Chapter 16, with mandatory neighbor notification, an emergency contact reachable within 60 minutes, and Transaction Privilege Tax registration. License fee is capped at $250 per state law.
View full Scottsdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mesa | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term | No city registration | - |
| STR State Statute | ARS §9-500.39 | - |
| Local Contact | 1-hour response required | - |
| TPT License | Required for STR | - |
| HOA Layer | Often stricter than city | - |
| Long-Term Rental | - | Permitted |
| STR Ordinance | - | Scottsdale Revised Code Ch. 16 |
| STR License Required | - | Yes |
| License Fee Cap | - | $250 (state-imposed) |
| Neighbor Notification | - | Required in writing |
| Liability Insurance | - | $500,000 minimum per state law |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mesa FAQ
Can I rent my Mesa ADU on Airbnb?
Yes, with a Mesa short-term rental permit, an Arizona TPT license, and a designated local emergency contact (one-hour response). Operators must remit TPT on every booking. Check your HOA CC&Rs - master-planned communities like Eastmark and Las Sendas often restrict STRs further than city law.
Does Mesa require a rental license for long-term ADU rentals?
No city rental license is required for stays of 30 days or more. Long-term rentals must be registered with the Maricopa County Assessor under Arizona's residential rental property statute. ARS 9-1303 limits city authority to require general rental registration.
Scottsdale FAQ
Can I rent my Scottsdale ADU on Airbnb?
Yes. You must obtain a Scottsdale short-term rental license under Scottsdale Revised Code Chapter 16 (fee capped at $250), notify neighboring property owners in writing, maintain a responsible-party emergency contact reachable within 60 minutes, carry liability insurance of at least $500,000, and register with the Arizona Department of Revenue for TPT remittance.
Can Scottsdale ban short-term rentals in my ADU?
No. Arizona state law (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Sec. 9-500.39 and Sec. 9-461.18) prohibits Scottsdale from categorically banning short-term rentals. The City may license, regulate, and penalize verified violations but cannot prohibit the STR use type itself.
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