Permit Requirements: Phoenix vs Surprise
How do permit requirements rules compare between Phoenix, AZ and Surprise, AZ?
Surprise has fewer restrictions than Phoenix.
Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
Phoenix requires an annual STR permit ($250 non-refundable) under Ordinance G-7156 (effective November 2023). Arizona state law ARS §9-500.39 preempts cities from banning STRs but allows regulation of safety, taxes, and nuisance issues.
View full Phoenix rules →Surprise, AZ
Maricopa County
Arizona state law (ARS 9-500.39) preempts cities from requiring local STR permits or licenses. Surprise cannot require a city-issued vacation rental permit. However, operators must obtain an Arizona TPT license from the Department of Revenue and comply with state registration requirements.
View full Surprise rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Phoenix | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Fee | $250/year | - |
| State Law | ARS §9-500.39 (can't ban) | ARS 9-500.39 |
| No Permit | $1,000/30 days | - |
| Notification | 600 ft certified mail | - |
| City Permit | - | Not required (state preemption) |
| TPT License | - | Required from Arizona DOR |
| Arizona DOR | - | (602) 255-3381 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Phoenix FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Phoenix?
Phoenix requires an annual STR permit ($250 non-refundable) under Ordinance G-7156 (effective November 2023). Arizona state law ARS §9-500.39 preempts cities from banning STRs but allows regulation of safety, taxes, and nuisance issues.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Phoenix?
Permit Fee: $250/year. State Law: ARS §9-500.39 (can't ban). No Permit: $1,000/30 days. Notification: 600 ft certified mail.
Surprise FAQ
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Surprise?
No city permit is required. Arizona law preempts local STR permit requirements. You do need a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license from Arizona DOR.
Can Surprise ban short-term rentals?
No. ARS 9-500.39 prevents Arizona cities from prohibiting or requiring permits for vacation rentals in residential zones.
Can my HOA restrict short-term rentals?
Yes. HOA CC&Rs are private agreements and can restrict or prohibit rentals. Check your community's governing documents.
Compare other topics
See how Phoenix and Surprise compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool