Vacation rentals; short-term rentals; restrictions
The bill fundamentally alters the landscape of local regulations surrounding vacation rentals, effectively preempting stricter municipal rules. It empowers state law to take precedence, thereby ensuring that local governments can only impose regulations that align strictly with health and safety standards, noise ordinances, or are otherwise uniformly applied to all property types. This state preemption could lead to a more standardized approach to vacation rentals across Arizona, diminishing local autonomy to tailor regulations to address unique community concerns.
House Bill 2711 introduces regulations concerning vacation rentals and short-term rentals in Arizona by amending section 9-500.39 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. The bill establishes that cities and towns cannot prohibit or unduly restrict the use of vacation rentals based on classification, use, or occupancy. Instead, it allows for regulation primarily focused on protecting public health and safety, enforcing zoning ordinances, and ensuring that vacation rentals are not used for illegal activities or purposes unsuitable for residential properties.
Notably, there are points of contention surrounding HB 2711 regarding the local control versus state preemption debate. Some local government officials and community members argue that the bill undermines local authority to respond to unique challenges associated with vacation rentals, such as noise, traffic, and neighborhood character. Critics fear that the bill could lead to an influx of unregulated rentals in residential areas, complicating community management of tourism impacts, while proponents argue it provides necessary uniformity for property owners and tourism services.