Primary-Residence-Only Rule: Phoenix vs Scottsdale
How do primary-residence-only rule rules compare between Phoenix, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ?
Scottsdale has fewer restrictions than Phoenix.
Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
Phoenix's vacation rental ordinance, effective in 2023, requires every short-term rental to register with the city annually but does not limit STRs to primary residences. Investor-owned and second-home rentals remain legal under Arizona preemption.
View full Phoenix rules →Scottsdale, AZ
Maricopa County
Arizona ARS section 11-269.17 prohibits Maricopa County from limiting short-term rentals to a host's primary residence. The county may register operators and enforce nuisance and zoning rules but cannot ban whole-home or non-owner-occupied vacation rentals.
View full Scottsdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Phoenix | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Primary residence | Not required | Not required |
| Registration | Annual city permit | - |
| Insurance | $1 million liability minimum | - |
| Emergency contact | 24-hour local contact | - |
| Effective | 2023 ordinance | - |
| Owner occupancy | - | Cannot be required |
| Statute | - | ARS 11-269.17 |
| Three-strike rule | - | Permit revoked |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Phoenix FAQ
Can I run a Phoenix STR if I do not live there?
Yes. Phoenix permits non-owner-occupied vacation rentals provided you register annually, carry $1M liability insurance, designate a 24-hour contact, and notify adjacent property owners before operating.
Is there a cap on rental nights?
No. Arizona's preemption statute prevents Phoenix from imposing an annual night cap. Operators may rent the property year-round if they meet registration, tax, and notification requirements.
Scottsdale FAQ
Can the county cap how many nights I rent each year?
No. ARS 11-269.17 lists allowed county powers and night caps are absent. Maricopa County may require registration and limit guest counts only as zoning occupancy rules already do, not by total annual nights.
What zoning allows STRs in unincorporated Maricopa County?
All single-family residential zones permit STRs under state preemption. The use is treated as a residential occupancy, with no separate commercial classification, so long as the property remains a dwelling unit.
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