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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Queen Creek, Arizona. Per Arizona State Law (A.R.S. §9-500.39), short-term rentals are permitted in all municipalities within the state, and by extension, the Town of Queen Creek. However, State law does not preclude the ability for Homeowner Associations or CC&Rs to regulate or restrict short-term rentals within their community.

As of November 2023, Queen Creek operates under a streamlined regulatory framework that requires only one-time registration at no cost, making it one of the more business-friendly jurisdictions in the Phoenix metro area for STR operators.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Queen Creek

Step 1: Property Verification

• Confirm your rental property is located within Queen Creek town limits
• Use the interactive map at Do I live in QC? to verify your address

Step 2: State-Level Requirements

• Obtain a sales tax license from the Arizona Department of Revenue (Transaction Privilege Tax - TPT)
• All STRs are required by the Department of Revenue to obtain a TPT license, regardless of whether an online lodging marketplace (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) is used

Step 3: County Assessment Registration

• Register your rental property with the applicable county assessor in accordance with A.R.S. 33-1902
• Maricopa County Assessor: mcassessor.maricopa.gov - Call 602-506-3406
• Pinal County Assessor: pinal.gov/486/Assessor - Call 520-866-6361
• Locate your parcel number using the respective county assessor parcel viewers

Step 4: Town Registration

• Complete short-term rental registration with Queen Creek Development Services
• No cost associated with registration
• Provide emergency contact information

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Current Requirements (As of November 2023):

1. Town Registration: Free one-time registration with Queen Creek Development Services
2. TPT License: Required from Arizona Department of Revenue
3. County Assessment: Property must be registered with appropriate county assessor
4. Emergency Contact Information: Must be maintained and current

Historical Context:

• May 2023: Town implemented business license requirement ($60 new, $40 renewal)
• November 2023: Town eliminated business license requirement, keeping only free registration
• December 2022: Initial STR ordinance implemented

Prohibited Uses:

The following uses are strictly prohibited in Queen Creek STR properties:

1. Any nonresidential use
2. Holding a special event that requires a license pursuant to town ordinance or state law
3. Operating a retail business, restaurant, event center, banquet hall or similar use
4. Operating or maintaining a sober living home
5. Selling liquor, illegal drugs, or pornography
6. Operating a nude or topless dancing business
7. Obscenity
8. Adult-oriented business
9. Any other use prohibited by A.R.S. § 9-500.39 or the Town Code

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Municipal Level (Queen Creek):

• Registration Required: Yes, one-time free registration
• Business License Required: No (eliminated November 2023)
• Annual Fee: $0 (registration only)
• Contact Information: Must provide emergency contact details
• Violations: Up to $1,000 for every 30 days if owner fails to provide emergency contact
• Tenant Screening: Property owner must verify renters are not registered sex offenders, convicted of felony acts resulting in death/serious injury, or convicted of felony use of deadly weapon within last five years

State Level (Arizona - A.R.S. §9-500.39):

• STRs are permitted in all municipalities
• Municipalities have limited ability to regulate STRs
• Online lodging marketplaces must provide certain information to municipalities
• Tax collection and remittance requirements for both hosts and platforms

County Level:

• Property Assessment: Must register with county assessor per A.R.S. 33-1902
• Parcel Information: Must maintain current parcel number
• Tax Assessment: Subject to property tax regulations

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contacts:

• Development Services: Development@QueenCreekAZ.gov - 480-358-3909
• Jennifer McDonald: 480-358-3909 (General STR inquiries)
• Town Clerk: For official documentation and records

For Issues and Complaints:

• General Issues: Use SeeClickFix system
• Noise/Traffic Complaints: Queen Creek Police Non-emergency line - 480-358-3500

Town Hall:

• Address: 22358 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
• Phone: 480-358-3000
• Website: queencreekaz.gov

Media and Communications:

• Constance Halonen-Wilson: Communications & Marketing Manager - 480-358-3195
• Email: Constance.Wilson@QueenCreekAZ.gov

Links to Source Pages

Official Queen Creek Government:

1. Short-Term Rentals Main Page
2. Short-Term Rental Registration
3. Ordinance 822-23
4. Town Code Chapter 8
5. Town Code & Ordinances

State Resources:

6. Arizona Short-Term Rental Law - ARS 9-500.39
7. AZ Department of Revenue - TPT Licensing
8. AZDOR Short-Term Rentals & Online Lodging Marketplaces
9. A.R.S. 33-1902 - County Assessment Registration

County Resources:

10. Maricopa County Assessor
11. Maricopa County Assessor Parcel Viewer
12. Pinal County Assessor
13. Pinal County Assessor Parcel Viewer

News Coverage:

14. Queen Creek News Release - STR Business License Program Launch (May 2023)
15. Arizona Republic - Queen Creek Relaxes STR Regulations (November 2023)
16. Queen Creek Tribune - STR Registration Passed (January 2023)

Additional Resources:

17. Do I live in QC? - Interactive Map
18. QC Neighborly Tips

Note for Investors: Queen Creek's regulatory approach for short-term rentals has evolved significantly since 2022. The current framework is notably business-friendly, with no licensing fees and minimal compliance requirements. However, operators should stay informed about potential regulatory changes, as neighboring communities have implemented more stringent requirements that could drive additional STR traffic to Queen Creek.