FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — At their upcoming meeting August 8, 2023 the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) will hold a third public hearing followed by a vote on the final draft of a County-wide ordinance aimed at regulating the operation of short-term rental properties in unincorporated neighborhoods of Coconino County. If approved by the Board, it will soon be unlawful to rent, or to offer to rent, a vacation or short-term rental property without first complying with the provisions of the ordinance. The purpose of this ordinance will be to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of owners and users of vacation and short-term rental properties in the unincorporated area of the County, and to protect the residential character of neighborhoods and surroundings that are adjacent to vacation and short-term rental use.
First presented to the Board in January of this year, the final ordinance has been revised and refined by Coconino County Community Development staff to incorporate public input, as well as the County Attorney’s Office to produce a clear and concise set of guidelines that allow for local oversight in the short-term rental market without missing out on the many economic benefits short-term rentals can provide to residents and the local community.
“This is the result of our communicating with the legislature to express our concerns about not having regulatory authority over short-term rentals,” Matt Ryan, Supervisor for District 3 said in January. “Albeit limited, we now have a very important tool that will promote voluntary compliance and encourage people to be good neighbors.”
The following are some key highlights of the final draft:
- Allows Coconino County to require a permit for short-term rental properties and to collect up to $250 as a permit fee and establishes electronic registration forms.
- Requires property owners to notify neighbors and to provide the County with a 24-hour emergency point of contact.
- Requires the property owner to provide a transaction privilege tax license number, pursuant to ARS § 42-5005, as well as proof of liability insurance coverage in the aggregate of at least $500,000 for the permitted property.
- Provides clear definitions for verified violations of the ordinance and a process to suspend or revoke a short-term rental license based on verified violations.
- Prohibits property owners from allowing use of short-term rentals for special events or large gatherings that would have an adverse effect on a residential neighborhood.
The proposed ordinance also includes a two-part due process procedure for adjudicating violations:
1.) For Registration Complaints: Community Development staff are empowered to receive and investigate these complaints. If the property owner fails to rectify any determined violations within a reasonable time the Director can issue a verified violation finding and impose fines.
2.) For Repeat or Serious Violations: The second due process procedure is for repeat verified violations and other serious violations as set forth by the STR statute, wherein, an administrative proceeding will be brought before a hearing officer. If the hearing officer makes a finding of a violation, the hearing officer could impose a suspension of the STR permit.
“As we were drafting this proposed ordinance, in addition to the input of County staff and the County Attorney’s office, the County collaborated with other municipalities, including the City of Flagstaff,” added Patrice Horstman, Supervisor for District 1. “I want to express my appreciation for the diligent efforts and creativity of the County staff in redrafting the proposed ordinance. I know it will help encourage voluntary compliance for short-term rental owners to be good neighbors.”
The public hearing is scheduled during the Board’s regular meeting on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 4 p.m. The final draft of the ordinance can be reviewed here. Members of the public may watch and participate via Zoom Teleconference at the following link and dial-in information:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83287086079 or toll-free (833) 548-0276
Webinar ID: 832 8708 6079
Board of Supervisors meetings are also streamed live via the County’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@CoconinoCounty
Comments may also be submitted in writing up to 24 hours prior to the hearing time via email to Jess McNeely at wmcneely@coconino.az.gov or by sending a hardcopy to:
Coconino County Community Development Department
Planning and Zoning Division, c/o Jess McNeely
2500 N. Fort Valley Rd. Building #1
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
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Stephen Pelligrini
Senior Communications Manager
County Manager’s Office