Mesa, AZ Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing noise standard
- Title 6, Chapter 12 applies to STRs (§ 5-15-5(G))
- Complaint response time
- 1 hr for dispatched calls, 24 hrs otherwise (§ 5-15-2)
- First noise civil sanction
- $250–$1,500 (§ 6-12-10)
- Third noise offense (24 mo.)
- $750–$2,500 (§ 6-12-10)
- Contact posting
- Emergency contact info posted at entrance (§ 5-15-5(B))
Summary
Short-term rental guests and owners in Mesa must comply with the City's general noise ordinance, Title 6 Chapter 12, under § 5-15-5(G), and the owner's designated emergency point of contact must respond to noise and other complaints affirmatively and in a timely manner regardless of the hour under § 5-15-5(A).
5-15-5: - OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS. G.In operating, renting, occupying, and using a short-term rental, all persons must comply with Mesa City Code Title 6, Chapter 12 regarding offensive, excessive, and prohibited noises... 6-12-3: - GENERAL PROHIBITIONS. (A)It is a violation of this Chapter for any person to make, assist in making, permit, continue, cause to be made or continued, or permit the continuance of any loud, unnecessary, or unusual sound or noise that disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of a reasonable person. ... 6-12-10: - PENALTY. (B)Any person found responsible for a civil violation of this Chapter, whether by admission, default, or judgment after hearing, shall pay a civil sanction of not less than $250 or more than $1,500.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 22).
Full Breakdown
m. On top of that general standard, § 5-15-5(A) requires the short-term rental's 'emergency point of contact' to 'affirmatively respond in a timely manner, no matter the time of day, to all complaints, incidences, and emergencies associated with the short-term rental,' appearing in person if requested by police or fire personnel. 'Timely manner' is defined in § 5-15-2 as within one hour of contact for complaints that draw a public-safety dispatch, and within 24 hours for all other complaints. The contact's information must be posted inside the rental in a conspicuous place near the primary entrance (§ 5-15-3(C)(4), § 5-15-5(B)).
A pattern of noise or nuisance complaints can also feed into the Chapter 15 license-suspension process, separate from any citation issued directly under the noise ordinance.
Violations & Fines
A Chapter 12 noise violation is a civil infraction carrying a sanction of $250 to $1,500, rising to $500–$2,500 for a second finding and $750–$2,500 for a third within 24 months, with habitual offenders facing criminal charges (§ 6-12-10, § 6-12-11). Separately, an owner or emergency contact who fails to respond in a timely manner under § 5-15-5(A) can trigger a civil citation and, on repeat violations, suspension of the short-term rental license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mesa have a special noise limit for short-term rentals?
How fast must an STR owner respond to a noise complaint?
What fine applies to a Mesa noise ordinance violation at a rental?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mesa
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