ADU Rental Restrictions: Scottsdale vs Surprise
How do adu rental restrictions rules compare between Scottsdale, AZ and Surprise, AZ?
Scottsdale and Surprise have similar restriction levels.
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 →Surprise, AZ
Maricopa County
Long-term rental of a Surprise ADU (90+ days) is fully protected under ARS § 9-461.18 and cannot be restricted by the city. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are governed by ARS § 9-500.39, which preempts most local prohibitions but allows Surprise to require STR registration, impose health-safety standards, and apply an owner-occupancy condition on ADUs built after September 14, 2024. Surprise requires STR registration through its short-term rental permit program.
View full Surprise rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Scottsdale | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Long-Term Protected | - | ARS § 9-461.18 preempts city |
| STR Statute | - | ARS § 9-500.39 (state-allowed registration) |
| STR Penalty Tier | - | $500 / $1,000 / $3,500 (SB 1168) |
| Post-9/14/24 ADU STR | - | Owner occupancy may apply |
| HOA Override | - | CC&Rs not preempted |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Surprise FAQ
Can I rent my Surprise ADU on Airbnb?
Yes if you register with the city and comply with ARS § 9-500.39 STR rules including TPT collection, contact-info posting, and health-safety standards. ADUs built after September 14, 2024, may also need to meet an owner-occupancy condition. Sun City Grand and other HOAs may ban STRs outright.
Can Surprise stop me from renting my ADU long-term?
No. ARS § 9-461.18 preempts the city from restricting long-term rental (90+ days) of an ADU. You can lease the ADU and the main house to different tenants without any owner-occupancy or relationship requirement.
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