Staff Reports | Mayor of Scottsdale
After a month that saw a shooting linked to a short-term rental party, multiple incidents involving underage drinking and alcohol-related medical emergencies — and dozens of enforcement actions — Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky led the charge last night for City Council to approve a new ordinance aimed at curbing the use of short-term rentals as commercial event venues.
Records show Scottsdale issued 56 charges and citations related to short-term rental activity in May, including violations tied to nuisance parties, criminal investigations and licensing compliance.
Also, Scottsdale Police responded to 48 nuisance-related calls at short-term rental properties during the month, while officers investigated incidents ranging from property crimes and assaults to unlawful parties and welfare concerns.
In response to those growing concerns, Scottsdale City Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 4719, establishing a formal definition of “event center” in Scottsdale City Code and strengthening the city’s ability to enforce existing prohibitions against using short-term rentals for non-residential commercial events.
“For too long, some operators have tried to blur the line between a home rental and a commercial event business,” Mayor Lisa Borowsky said. “This ordinance makes that line clear. If you’re using a short-term rental as a venue for large parties, weddings, corporate events or other commercial activities, Scottsdale now has a stronger framework to hold you accountable.”
Among the month of May’s most serious incidents, a shooting investigation tied to a party at a short-term rental in the Maya complex resulted in multiple arrests on charges including aggravated assault, weapons violations and trespassing. The property owner was cited for operating without a required city license, while the renter was cited for hosting and promoting a nuisance party and operating an event venue.
In addition, Scottsdale Police identified and stopped two promoter-sponsored events advertised on social media before they could take place through coordination with property owners.
Mayor Borowsky contends that for the first time in recent memory, enforcement actions stemming from active incidents at short-term rentals exceeded administrative compliance violations, reflecting the city’s increasingly proactive approach to addressing nuisance properties and repeat offenders.
“Scottsdale welcomes responsible short-term rentals, but our neighborhoods are not event venues and they are not party zones,” Mayor Borowsky points out. “When properties are used for large commercial gatherings, disruptive events or activities that threaten public safety, we will act. This ordinance gives us a stronger tool to protect residents and preserve neighborhood quality of life.”
Approved by the City Council, Ordinance No. 4719 defines an event center as the use of a property for organized gatherings, parties, receptions or functions involving a commercial purpose, event-related impacts or activities requiring a city permit or license.
“The incidents we’ve seen make it clear that some operators are attempting to use residential properties as commercial event spaces,” Mayor Borowsky said. “This action provides clarity for property owners, renters and enforcement personnel alike, while sending a clear message that those who violate the rules and disrupt our neighborhoods will be held accountable.”
