State Legislature Sets Meeting on Short-term Rentals

By Tommy Acosta

UPDATE – This meeting has been CANCELLED. Further information will be added as received.

Sedona AZ (November 21, 2019) – Sedona residents concerned over the proliferation of short-term rentals in their community, and those concerned over the government’s desire to control them, have an opportunity to speak to Arizona legislators on Tuesday, December 3 starting at 5 p.m. in the Capital Building’s Senate Hearing Room 1 in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Arizona State Legislature has formed an ad hoc committee for the public to directly express their concerns on the issue to lawmakers.

“Short Term Rental Proliferation in Arizona Communities and the Impact” is the subject of the meeting.

Proponents believe it’s the right of homeowners to rent their property as they see fit and that the government has no right trying to unduly regulate them.

Those who wish to better regulate short-term rentals say the community has rights as well and should not have to put up with annoyances such as noise, inconsiderate parking and strangers living in houses too close to them.

Some Sedona residents are especially concerned over the planned building of a 10-bathroom, eight-bedroom house by investors planning to use the house as a short-term rental operation.

Sedona City Attorney Robert Pickels, who represents the city at these meetings, said politicians listen to their constituents when they show up.

“When the residents come down and invest their time to express themselves, especially when there is a high level of passion we know exist, that has an impact on the legislators,” he said at a recent community meeting on the subject. “That’s what they want to hear.  You are the people whose votes they are vying for.”

Arizona Rep. John Kavanaugh [R-District 23] will be chairing the meeting. A number of Sedona city council members are also expected to attend.

Citizens wishing to participate must provide their own transportation to Phoenix.

The address is 1700 W. Washington Street, Phoenix AZ 85007.

Call 928-204-7200 or email the city attorney at RPickels@sedonaAZ.gov for more information.