Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Page, AZ?

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Page, Arizona. Vacation home rentals are permitted uses in all residential zoning districts (RE-2A, RE-1A, R1-8, R1-5, R-2, RM, MHS, MHP) under Section 152.045 (BB) of the City Zoning Code. They are also conditionally permitted in the Central Business District (CBD) and Mixed-Use Overlay districts.

However, Page operates within Arizona's state-level framework that significantly limits municipal control over STRs. The city's ability to regulate short-term rentals was dramatically curtailed by state legislation, though recent law changes have restored some local authority.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Page

Step 1: State-Level Requirements

1. Obtain Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License: All STR operators in Arizona must have a TPT license from the Arizona Department of Revenue to legally operate
2. Register with Coconino County: Page is located in Coconino County, and the county may require residential rental property notification/registration

Step 2: Local Requirements (Page-Specific)

1. Business Registration: Complete the City's Business Registration Application, specifically the "Vacation Home Rental/Bed & Breakfast Business Registration"
2. Compliance with Zoning: Ensure your property is in an appropriate zoning district where STRs are allowed
3. Meet Supplemental Use Standards: Adhere to Section 152.045 (BB) requirements (specific regulations outlined below)

Step 3: Operational Setup

1. Property Preparation: Ensure compliance with building codes, fire safety, and health regulations
2. Insurance: Obtain appropriate liability insurance coverage
3. Marketing Compliance: Ensure listings include required information per city ordinances

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required State Documents:

• Arizona TPT License (Transaction Privilege Tax)
• County Registration (Coconino County residential rental notification if required)

Required Local Documents (Page):

• Business Registration Application (specifically Vacation Home Rental/Bed & Breakfast registration)
• Planning & Zoning General Application (if applicable for site-specific requirements)
• Building Permits (if structural modifications are planned)

Additional Guidelines to Follow:

• City Zoning Code (Ordinance No. 703-23, effective April 22, 2023)
• Building Codes (International Building Codes as adopted by the city)
• Fire Codes (as adopted by the city)
• City Tax Code (2011 Page Tax Code)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning Allowances (Per Zoning Code):

• All Residential Districts: Permitted use (RE-2A, RE-1A, R1-8, R1-5, R-2, RM, MHS, MHP)
• Central Business District (CBD): Conditionally permitted
• Mixed-Use Overlay District: Conditionally permitted
• Commercial Districts (C-1, C-2): Not permitted

State-Level Regulatory Environment:

Pre-2022 Framework:

• Arizona's SB1350 (2016) stripped cities of most STR regulatory power
• Cities could only enforce basic safety concerns
• No ability to limit STR density or operation hours

Post-2022 Authority (SB1168):

• Cities can require permits and annual fees (up to $250 or actual cost, whichever is less)
• Authority to levy fines for noise violations, property maintenance issues, and unruly guests
• Can require background checks and prohibit registered sex offenders from renting
• Cities can implement neighbor notification requirements

Current Status in Page:

As of the latest available information, Page's City Attorney was working on developing ordinances to utilize the authorities restored by SB1168. The city had been treating VRBOs as regular residential properties rather than businesses, which the mayor indicated was problematic.

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Page - Primary Contacts:

Physical Address:

• 697 Vista Ave.
• Page, AZ 86040
• PO Box 1180

Phone:

• Main Desk: (928) 645-8861

Key Departments:

• Community Development Department: For zoning and business registration questions
• Planning & Zoning Department: For zoning compliance and permit questions
• Code Compliance Department: For enforcement and violation concerns
• Building & Safety Department: For building permits and safety requirements

Online Resources:

• City Website: cityofpage.org
• Business Registration: cityofpage.org/government/business-registration/
• Planning & Zoning: cityofpage.org/departments/planning-zoning/
• Regulatory Documents: cityofpage.org/government/regulatory-documents/
• City Code: cityofpage.org/government/city-code/

Important Source Links

1. City of Page Regulatory Documents Directory: cityofpage.org/government/regulatory-documents/
2. City of Page Zoning Code: cityofpage.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Zoning_Code_FINAL_DRAFT_-_Finished_Copy_1-23-23_BC-ZPM.pdf
3. Vacation Home Rental Registration: cityofpage.org/business-registration/
4. Lake Powell Chronicle Article on STR Issues: lakepowellchronicle.com/stories/arizona-page-face-short-term-rental-woes,623
5. Arizona Short-Term Rental Compliance Resource: www.joinazrt.org/compliance/
6. City of Page Main Website: cityofpage.org

Investor Considerations

Market Context:

• Page has approximately 440 active short-term rentals (350 homes, 50 private rooms as of early 2023)
• Growth rate has been relatively controlled compared to other Arizona destinations like Sedona
• Strong tourism driver due to proximity to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell

Regulatory Risks:

• Evolving municipal ordinances as cities implement SB1168 authorities
• Potential for increased local regulations targeting STR concentration
• State-level preemption limits municipal ability to prohibit or severely restrict STRs

Recommended Actions for Investors:

1. Verify Current Zoning: Confirm STR allowance in specific zoning district
2. Monitor City Communications: Stay informed about emerging ordinances
3. Establish Good Neighbor Relations: Proactive community engagement given limited municipal oversight
4. Professional Property Management: Consider management services familiar with local requirements
5. Tax Planning: Understand TPT obligations and local tax implications

This guide reflects the current regulatory environment as of the available information. Given the evolving nature of STR regulation in Arizona, investors should verify current requirements with city authorities before proceeding with any STR investment or operation in Page, Arizona.