Overview: Short-Term Rental Status in Bullhead City, AZ

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Bullhead City, AZ, but only with proper licensing and compliance with local regulations. The city has adopted a comprehensive framework for regulating STRs that requires multiple permits, licenses, and ongoing compliance. Operators must obtain a short-term rental permit from the city, register with Mohave County, maintain proper insurance, and comply with specific operational requirements including posting contact information and emergency contact details on the property.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Bullhead City

Step 1: Property Assessment and Compliance Review

Before pursuing any licenses, evaluate your property's compliance potential:

• Ensure the property is located within Bullhead City limits
• Confirm the property type qualifies (single-family, one-to-four-family dwelling, condominium, or cooperative unit)
• Review zoning requirements through the Planning and Zoning Division
• Assess property insurance needs and coverage adequacy

Step 2: State Tax Registration

Obtain a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR). This is mandatory even if you use an online lodging marketplace platform. Property owners are required to have a valid TPT license regardless of management method.

Step 3: County Registration

Register the rental property with the Mohave County Assessor's Office as a short-term rental. This registration is required for all rental properties used for residential rental purposes, including STRs. Use the Residential Affidavit of Property Class Change form for registration.

Step 4: Business License Application

Apply for a City of Bullhead City business license through the Business License Office. Email a completed business license application along with a copy of a valid driver's license to strentals@bullheadcityaz.gov. The business license fee is included in the annual $250 permit fee.

Step 5: Insurance Verification

Provide proof of liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1 million. This can be obtained through direct insurance coverage or through an online lodging marketplace platform that provides equal or greater primary liability insurance coverage for the vacation rental.

Step 6: Short-Term Rental Permit Application

Apply for the Short-Term Rental Permit through the city's online platform at bullheadaz-self.govplatform.com/. After successful completion of previous steps, upload all required documents and submit the permit application. The fee for the short-term rental permit is $250.00 annually.

Step 7: Property Posting Requirements

Once approved, display required information at the property:

• Short-term rental permit
• Business license
• Owner name, phone number, and email address
• Emergency point of contact information These must be displayed in a conspicuous location at or near the interior side of a common entry way.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Documentation Checklist:

• [ ] Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License from Arizona Department of Revenue
• [ ] Mohave County Rental Registration with Assessor's Office
• [ ] Bullhead City Business License Application with driver's license copy
• [ ] Proof of Liability Insurance ($1 million minimum coverage)
• [ ] Short-Term Rental Permit Application with supporting documents
• [ ] Emergency Contact Information for owner and designated contact
• [ ] Property Posting Materials for conspicuous display

Permit and License Details:

• Short-Term Rental Permit: $250 annually, renewable
• Business License: Included in permit fee
• TPT License: State tax license for rental income
• County Registration: Required for all rental properties

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Requirements

City of Bullhead City Regulations (Municipal Code Chapter 5.40):

• Operational Definition: STRs include individually or collectively owned single-family or one-to-four-family houses, dwelling units, or units in condominiums/cooperatives that are offered for transient use at 30 days or less
• Permit Requirements: All STRs must obtain a city-issued permit
• Insurance Mandate: Minimum $1 million liability coverage required
• Property Posting: Owner contact information, emergency contact, permit, and business license must be displayed
• Neighbor Notification: City sends notices to adjacent property owners with STR details
• Compliance Enforcement: City actively enforces regulations with complaint-based oversight

Mohave County Requirements:

• Rental Registration: All residential rental properties must be registered with County Assessor
• Classification: STRs must be registered as Legal Class 4 rental property
• Family Member Exception: Renting to qualifying family members still requires registration
• Short-Term Exception: Properties rented 3 months or less in a 12-month period are exempt from registration
• Landlord-Tenant Act Compliance: All rentals must comply with Title 33, Chapters 10 and 11

State of Arizona Framework:

• SB 1168 Compliance: City regulations follow Arizona Senate Bill 1168 (A.R.S. § 9-500.39)
• Transaction Privilege Tax: State tax collection requirements apply to all rental income
• Online Marketplace Requirements: Special provisions for properties managed through platforms like Airbnb/VRBO

Operational Guidelines:

• Booking Platform Requirements: If using online platforms, ensure they provide required insurance coverage
• Contact Availability: 24/7 contact availability required for guest and neighbor concerns
• Compliance Monitoring: Active monitoring through complaint system and city enforcement

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Bullhead City Business License Office

• In Person: City Hall, 2355 Trane Road, Bullhead City, AZ 86442
• Phone: 928-763-0110
• Fax: 928-763-0131
• Email: bhcbusinesslicense@bullheadcityaz.gov
• STR-Specific Email: strentals@bullheadcityaz.gov
• Mailing Address: City of Bullhead City, Business License Office, PO Box 23189, Bullhead City, AZ 86439-3189

Short-Term Rental Permit Applications

• Online Portal: bullheadaz-self.govplatform.com/
• General City Phone: 928-763-9400

Enforcement and Complaints

• 24/7 Hotline: 928-278-4915
• Online Complaint Form: secure.hostcompliance.com/bullhead-city-az/complaints/type

Mohave County Assessor's Office

• Phone: 928-753-0703
• Mailing Address: Mohave County Assessor, ATTN: Rentals, PO Box 7000, Kingman, AZ 86402
• Rental Registration Form: Available through County Assessor website
• General County Contact: 928-753-9141

Arizona Department of Revenue

• TPT License Information: Available through Arizona Department of Revenue website
• Online Marketplace Guidelines: Specific information for STRs using booking platforms

Source Links and Resources

Primary Regulatory Documents:

• Bullhead City STR License Page: www.bullheadcityaz.gov/business-development/short-term-and-vacation-rental-license/
• City Code of Ordinances: www.bullheadcityaz.gov/leadership-government/code-of-ordinances/
• Short-Term Rentals Ordinance (PDF): www.bullheadcityaz.gov/media/bwjcslkn/short-term-rentals-ord-final-120522.pdf

Permit Application Resources:

• Business License Application (PDF): www.bullheadcityaz.gov/media/ysol3gvg/business-license-application-2023.pdf
• Online Permit Platform: bullheadaz-self.govplatform.com/
• Mohave County Rental Registration Form (PDF): www.mohave.gov/media/145fpwlz/mohave-county-rental-registration-form.pdf

State Resources:

• Arizona TPT License Application: azdor.gov/transaction-privilege-tax/tpt-license/applying-tpt-license
• Online Lodging Marketplace Guidelines: azdor.gov/business/transaction-privilege-tax/online-lodging-marketplace

County Resources:

• Mohave County Assessor: www.mohave.gov/departments/assessor/
• Rental Property Registration: www.mohave.gov/departments/assessor/rental-property-registration/

Enforcement and Complaints:

• Host Compliance Complaints: secure.hostcompliance.com/bullhead-city-az/complaints/type

This comprehensive framework ensures that short-term rental operations in Bullhead City maintain high standards while providing clear pathways for legal compliance. Investors should carefully review all requirements and maintain ongoing compliance to avoid enforcement actions.