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

Yes. Short‑term rentals (STRs)—defined in Arizona as rentals of a dwelling for fewer than 30 consecutive days—are allowed in Winslow and across unincorporated Coconino County. The state’s enabling law (SB 1350) precludes cities and counties from prohibiting STRs or imposing zoning‑based restrictions simply because the use is short‑term. However, Coconino County has adopted Ordinance 2023‑22, which establishes a permitting and compliance framework for STRs in unincorporated county areas, including those within the Winslow market. The ordinance took effect November 14, 2023. [^1] [^2]

What this means in practice: In Coconino County (including Winslow’s surrounding unincorporated areas), an STR can operate if (a) it is a habitable dwelling permitted by the county and (b) the property owner holds a valid county STR permit, satisfies state tax obligations, maintains minimum liability insurance, and adheres to the county’s operational standards and complaint‑response requirements. [^1]

How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in Winslow (Coconino County)

1. Confirm zoning and structure eligibility

• Operate only in “habitable dwellings” permitted by Coconino County. Garages, sheds, tents, RVs, and other structures that do not meet dwelling standards cannot be rented as STRs. [^1]

2. Obtain the required county STR permit

• Apply through the Coconino County Community Development online portal. The county may assess a permit fee “up to $250” to fund registration and oversight. [^1]
• Online application portal: see “Coconino County Community Development Online STR Permit Portal.” [^1]

3. Register for and comply with state transaction privilege (sales) tax

• Provide your Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license number as required by Arizona Revised Statutes § 42‑5005. Register with the Arizona Department of Revenue and comply with ongoing TPT filings and payments for the STR activity. [^1]

4. Secure adequate liability insurance

• Maintain liability insurance coverage in the aggregate of at least $500,000 for the permitted property and provide proof with your application and upon renewal. [^1]

5. Establish neighborhood notification and contact protocols

• Notify adjacent neighbors of the STR operation and designate a 24‑hour emergency point of contact. Ensure guests and listings clearly display emergency contact information. [^1]

6. Set up complaint response processes

• Respond to non‑emergency complaints within 72 hours and maintain internal procedures for triaging and resolving issues. [^1]

7. Comply with advertising rules and occupancy best practices

• Align listing descriptions with county rules; refrain from advertising uses that violate local or state law (e.g., special events that would require a temporary use permit). [^1]

8. Post county‑approved guest information

• Some counties post interior rules, quiet hours, occupancy limits, and emergency contacts in a visible location for guests; confirm current requirements with Coconino County. [^1]

9. Monitor for updates and renewals

• STR permits are ongoing unless suspended or revoked; monitor county notices, renew your TPT, and update insurance as required. [^1]

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Coconino County STR Permit (unincorporated areas)

  • Must be obtained before advertising or operating the STR in the county.
  • Fee: up to $250 (as established by county ordinance). [^1]
  • Proof of liability insurance: minimum $500,000 aggregate. [^1]
  • 24‑hour emergency point‑of‑contact. [^1]
  • Adjacent‑neighbor notification (as required by county process). [^1]

• Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License

  • Required under A.R.S. § 42‑5005 for taxable rental activity. [^1]
  • Register with the Arizona Department of Revenue and remit taxes on gross receipts from short‑term rentals. [^1]

• Eligibility and operational standards (Coconino County)

  • Only habitable dwellings permitted by the county may be used as STRs. [^1]
  • Prohibitions: use for special events/large gatherings; operation of a sober living home; hosting any pornographic/adult‑oriented business; permitting felonious criminal activity; housing registered sex offenders. [^1]
  • Neighbor notification and complaint response (72 hours for non‑emergency) required. [^1]

• Business licensing and zoning considerations

  • If operating inside Winslow city limits, additional city business licensing and zoning review may apply. Confirm status (incorporated vs. unincorporated) and any local requirements with the City of Winslow.

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

• State of Arizona (SB 1350)

  • STRs are allowed statewide; municipalities and counties may not prohibit STRs or regulate them solely based on their classification/use/occupancy as short‑term rentals. This preempts local bans and many zoning‑based controls, but does not prohibit reasonable permitting for public health/safety, taxation, or registration. [^2]

• Coconino County (Ordinance 2023‑22)

  • Defines STRs as rentals of any dwelling or portion thereof for fewer than 30 consecutive days. [^1]
  • Permits required for STRs in habitable dwellings permitted by the county. [^1]
  • Permit fee up to $250 to fund registration/oversight. [^1]
  • Owner obligations:
    • Provide Arizona TPT license number. [^1]
    • Maintain at least $500,000 liability insurance and provide proof. [^1]
    • Notify adjacent neighbors and designate 24‑hour emergency contact. [^1]
    • Respond to non‑emergency complaints within 72 hours. [^1]
    • Comply with advertisement, conduct, and use restrictions. [^1]
  • Prohibited uses:
    • Special events or large gatherings requiring a temporary use permit. [^1]
    • Sober living home operations. [^1]
    • Pornographic/adult‑oriented businesses. [^1]
    • Allowing felonious criminal activity; housing registered sex offenders. [^1]

• City of Winslow

  • City‑specific STR regulations (if any) were not provided in the source materials. If your property is within Winslow city limits, verify whether the city has enacted business licensing, zoning, or operational requirements for STRs. Use county rules for unincorporated properties.

Local Authority Contact Information (STRs in Coconino County/Winslow Area)

• Coconino County Community Development (STR Permit Authority)

  • Phone: 928‑679‑8850
  • Email: permits@coconino.az.gov
  • Website: www.coconino.az.gov/CommunityDevelopment
  • Online STR Permit Portal: co-coconino-az.smartgovcommunity.com/Public/Home [^1]

• Arizona Department of Revenue (TPT Licensing and Registration)

  • Website: azdor.gov

Note: If the property is inside the City of Winslow corporate limits, confirm whether city authorities (e.g., City of Winslow, 928‑289‑1414; www.winslowaz.gov) require separate licensing or have zoning conditions specific to STRs.

Source Links

• [Coconino County adopts new regulations for short‑term rentals] www.nhonews.com/news/coconino-county-adopts-new-regulations-for-short-term-rentals/article_8100c305-b42d-58d0-8b9c-53502abf10cb.html [^1]
• [The Negative Consequences of Short‑Term Rentals – Arizona’s Recipe for Disaster (Feb 2021 White Paper)] blogs.mml.org/wp/short-term-rentals/files/2021/06/STR-White-Paper-The-Negative-Consequences-of-Short-Term-Rentals-Arizonas-Recipe-for-Disaster.pdf [^2]
• [Coconino County Community Development] www.coconino.az.gov/CommunityDevelopment [^1]
• [Coconino County STR Permit Portal] co-coconino-az.smartgovcommunity.com/Public/Home [^1]
• [Arizona Department of Revenue (TPT)] azdor.gov
• [City of Winslow (general contact)] www.winslowaz.gov

Footnotes
[^1]: Coconino County Ordinance 2023‑22, including definitions, eligibility, permit fee, TPT license requirement, liability insurance minimums, neighbor notification, contact requirements, prohibited uses, complaint response times, and the online portal, as reported in the Navajo‑Hopi Observer article (Aug 15, 2023).
[^2]: State‑level context from “The Negative Consequences of Short‑Term Rentals – Arizona’s Recipe for Disaster” (Feb 2021), which details SB 1350’s preemption framework and its practical impacts on local authority.