Queen Creek, Arizona Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Queen Creek?

Queen Creek hosts earn a median $33,701/year with $212 ADR and 66% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $49,532+ per year.

See the full Queen Creek market breakdown

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):

Town Registration: Free one-time registration with Queen Creek Development Services
TPT License: Required from Arizona Department of Revenue
County Assessment: Property must be registered with appropriate county assessor
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:

Any nonresidential use
Holding a special event that requires a license pursuant to town ordinance or state law
Operating a retail business, restaurant, event center, banquet hall or similar use
Operating or maintaining a sober living home
Selling liquor, illegal drugs, or pornography
Operating a nude or topless dancing business
Obscenity
Adult-oriented business
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:

State Resources:

County Resources:

News Coverage:

Additional Resources:

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.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Queen Creek

Queen Creek is a growing town in southeastern Maricopa County, Arizona, with a small portion extending into neighboring Pinal County. Home to approximately 70,000 residents, it carries a family-friendly, suburban character that still nods to its agricultural heritage through working farms, equestrian properties, and wide-open desert vistas. The town is a popular base for visitors exploring the East Valley of the Phoenix metro area, and it sits roughly 35 miles southeast of downtown Phoenix — about a 40-minute drive via the Loop 202 Santan Freeway, with Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport just minutes to the northwest.

San Tan Mountain Regional Park lies just south of the town's center, offering more than 10,000 acres of Sonoran Desert terrain threaded with miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. From most of Queen Creek, visitors can reach the main trailheads in about 10 to 15 minutes. Operated by Maricopa County Parks, the park is also known for sweeping views of the surrounding valley and for its frequent sightings of desert wildlife, including javelina, coyotes, and a wide variety of birds.

In the heart of Queen Creek, Schnepf Farms is one of the largest family-owned organic farms in the state and a long-running agritourism destination. The property hosts seasonal festivals throughout the year — including a popular fall pumpkin patch and a winter celebration of lights — along with a bakery, country store, garden center, and u-pick flower and produce fields. It is a convenient stop for guests who want a slower-paced, distinctly Arizona experience within minutes of their rental.

A drive northeast leads to the Tonto National Forest, where Saguaro Lake and Canyon Lake draw visitors for boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming along steep desert canyon walls. Depending on which lake visitors head to, the drive from Queen Creek ranges from roughly 45 minutes to just over an hour, making either a feasible day trip. For those interested in botanical and historical sightseeing, Boyce Thompson Arboretum in nearby Superior — about an hour east of Queen Creek — showcases one of the largest and oldest botanical gardens in the state, with plant collections from around the world set against the cliffs of Picketpost Mountain.

Queen Creek offers short-term rental owners a desirable mix of suburban comfort, small-town feel, and quick access to both the Phoenix metro and the Sonoran Desert's outdoor playgrounds. Its proximity to two major airports, family-friendly attractions, and surrounding natural landmarks make it appealing to a wide range of travelers — from sports tournaments and family reunions to snowbirds and outdoor enthusiasts — supporting steady year-round demand in one of Arizona's fastest-growing communities.