Mesa cannot require that the owner or a designated host live on-site during short-term rental stays. ARS §9-500.39 preempts cities from banning unhosted whole-home rentals, so absentee operation is fully legal in Mesa.
Some cities require an owner or local host to remain on the property during STR stays as a noise and safety control. Arizona blocks that approach. ARS §9-500.39 forbids municipalities from prohibiting vacation or short-term rentals or from requiring that a property be owner-occupied to be eligible. Mesa's Zoning Ordinance §11-3 therefore registers operators but does not require physical presence. Hosts may live anywhere, including out of state, provided they designate a 24-hour emergency contact who can respond to complaints. The contact must be reachable within an hour of city notice.
Failure to designate or update an emergency contact triggers civil penalties under Mesa's STR registration ordinance, escalating with repeat citations.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Mesa, AZ
Mesa allows recreational backyard fires under International Fire Code Section 307, adopted in Mesa City Code Title 7. Recreational fires must stay at least 2...
Mesa, AZ
Mesa does not have its own smoke alarm ordinance separate from state and code requirements. Arizona Revised Statutes Sec. 36-1637 requires an approved smoke ...
Mesa, AZ
Mesa has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. Mesa Code requires property maintenance b...
Mesa, AZ
Mesa has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, lighting hours, and blower noise are governed by HOA CC&Rs, which apply ...
Mesa, AZ
Mesa has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Installation timing, brightness, and animated displays are governed by HOA CC&Rs in Me...
Mesa, AZ
Mesa requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs under Mesa Building Code and the adopted...
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