ARIZONA NEWS

Scottsdale City Council to consider stricter noise, disturbance provisions

May 4, 2024, 6:30 AM

Scottsdale Mayor David D. Ortega wants to enact stricter regulations on nuisance parties. (@scottsd...

Scottsdale Mayor David D. Ortega wants to enact stricter regulations on nuisance parties. (@scottsdaleazgov photo/X)

(@scottsdaleazgov photo/X)

PHOENIX — The Scottsdale City Council will discuss three new ordinances on Monday being presented to mitigate disturbances caused by noisy gatherings.

The proposals would seek to “hold people accountable for noisy neighborhood gatherings which often occur at short-term rentals,” according to a release. The city council heard feedback from over 2,200 Scottsdale residents since the drafting of the ordinances.

While most of the issue stems from short-term rentals, according to the release, the proposed city ordinances — if adopted — would apply to all residential properties.

“Scottsdale neighborhoods have consistently expressed frustration with short-term rental properties that market themselves as party pads and host loud, late-night gatherings,” Mayor David D. Ortega said. “No question, short-term rentals are both a nuisance and a hazard. We believe these ordinance changes will strengthen our ability to hold party promoters accountable.”

What are the proposed ordinance changes on the table for Scottsdale City Council?

  • “Promoters who use residential properties for nuisance parties will be defined and designated as a responsible party under city code”
  • “Scottsdale police will be provided the authority to remove non-residents from a party after a nuisance party is declared”
  • “Minors will be specifically prohibited from renting a short-term rental property”

Supporters of the ordinance changes believe they could increase the efficiency by which authorities can hold noisemakers accountable and better prevent from future issues.

According to the release, nuisance party calls increased 73% from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024, and 48% of the calls were made to short-term rentals, furthering a belief that short-term rentals were disproportionately responsible for the problem.

Can the Scottsdale City Council ban short-term rentals altogether?

The Scottsdale government cannot pass any ordinance stricter than Arizona state law, because of a law passed by state legislature in 2017.

“During the current legislative session, Scottsdale led a coalition of 90-plus Arizona municipalities which presented reasonable regulatory reforms to the Arizona legislature, but the legislature did nothing (to help this issue),” Ortega said.

“The Scottsdale City Council will continue to implement every possible tool allowable under state law,” he continued. “We established a local licensing program, created a short-term rental unit in the Scottsdale Police Department and we have vigilant code inspectors to report problem properties.”

The city encourages residents to check out this pamphlet if they’re experiencing problems in their own area.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona News

This rendering shows what the Mesa Grandview Business Park will look like upon completion. (Photo v...

Serena O'Sullivan

Construction starts on 270,000-square-foot industrial development in Mesa’s Falcon District

Several companies related to the Mesa Grandview Business Park gathered with city officials for the groundbreaking of the industrial development.

8 hours ago

CarMax, the nation’s largest used vehicle seller, is hiring after announcing a new reconditioning...

David Veenstra

CarMax hiring for new West Valley reconditioning and auction center

CarMax, the nation’s largest used vehicle seller, is hiring after announcing a new reconditioning and auction center in the West Valley on Thursday.

9 hours ago

Emergency air medical base opens at Abrazo West Campus Goodyear...

Serena O'Sullivan

New emergency helicopter base opens at West Valley hospital

A new emergency air medical base in Goodyear will expand the presence of life-saving care provider Air Methods, the company said on Wednesday.

11 hours ago

DOGE access lawsuit...

KTAR.com

Arizona to sue over DOGE access to government payment systems containing personal data

Arizona is about 12 states that plan to sue over DOGE access to government payment systems containing personal data

12 hours ago

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs called for increased state firefighter pay on Thursday during an event to ...

Kevin Stone

Arizona governor calls for pay raise for firefighters while honoring those who battled LA wildfires

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs called for increased state firefighter pay while honoring the task force members who helped battle the Los Angeles wildfires.

15 hours ago

free wigs...

Kevin Stone

Arizona cancer support group opening free wig salon in Phoenix

An Arizona cancer support organization is launching an initiative to provide patients and survivors experiencing hair loss with free wigs.

16 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

Scottsdale City Council to consider stricter noise, disturbance provisions