Maricopa County, AZ Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- Owner must live on-site if ADU present
- Citation
- MCZO Article 602.3(2)
- Grandfather cutoff
- ADU CO issued by Sept. 13, 2024
- Scope
- Unincorporated Maricopa County only
- Penalty
- Class 2 misdemeanor or civil fine
Summary
In unincorporated Maricopa County, an owner renting out a short-term rental with an accessory dwelling unit must live on the property, unless the ADU's certificate of occupancy predates September 13, 2024.
The owner of a short-term rental must reside on the property if the property contains an accessory dwelling unit unless a certificate of occupancy, certificate of completion or similar final approval for the accessory dwelling unit was issued by the County on or before September 13, 2024.
Full Breakdown
Maricopa County's zoning ordinance ties short-term rental use to the owner's residency once an accessory dwelling unit is on the lot. Under MCZO Article 602.3, the owner of a short-term rental must reside on the property if the property contains an ADU. The rule doesn't reach back: it's waived if the ADU's certificate of occupancy, certificate of completion, or similar final approval was issued by the County on or before September 13, 2024. Only single-family dwellings or approved ADUs qualify for STR use, and no more than one ADU per parcel may be rented short-term.
Violations & Fines
Violating the residency requirement is a zoning code violation: a class 2 misdemeanor, or civil penalties, with each day of noncompliant use counted as a separate offense under MCZO Article 1203.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Maricopa County short-term rental owner have to live on the property?
Can I rent my ADU as a short-term rental without living there?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Maricopa County
Compare Maricopa County to another location·View the Arizona short-term rentals overview
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