Supporting Document (91da941b...)

T
I ■■
nrvNiNCH
REPORf
Item 23
+■
Meeting Date:
General Plan Element: 
General Plan Goal:
ACTION
June 23, 2026
Public Services & Facilities
Provide a safe environment for all citizens, visitors and private 
interests
Adopt Ordinance No. 4719, amending Chapter 18, Article I, Section 18-2 of the Scottsdale 
Revised Code by adding a definition for Event Center.
BACKGROUND
The City has increasingly encountered vacation and short-term rentals (STRs) being used for 
commercial-type/non-residential gatherings such as non-resident weddings, corporate events, 
or advertised parties open to the public. These activities create impacts similar to formal event 
venues and raise health, safety, and neighborhood welfare concerns.
A.R.S. § 9-500.39 limits municipal regulation of vacation and shorMerm rentals. However, 
A.R.S. § 9-500.39 expressly provides in relevant part that a vacation rental or short-term rental 
may not be used for nonresidential uses, including for "a special event that would otherwise 
require a permit or license...or for a...banquet space, event center, or another similar use."
However, the statute does not define "event center," leaving a gap that complicates 
enforcement.
Under the Scottsdale Revised Code, the City prohibits STRs from being used for nonresidential 
purposes, including operating an event center, banquet center, or similar use. This prohibition 
mirrors state law, but like state law, the Scottsdale Revised Code does not currently contain a 
definition.
To address this statutory gap, proposed Ordinance No. 4719 adopts a definition of Event Center 
for Chapter 18 of the Scottsdale Revised Code.
ANALYSIS & ASSESSMENT
Specifically, Ordinance No. 4719 adds a definition of Event Center to S.R.C. § 18-2. This new 
definition clarifies what is considered an Event Center. This definition will assist with 
enforcement efforts and provide clarity for STR operators. The City Attorney's Office worked
Action Taken

City Council Report | Ordinance No. 4719
with the Police Department to craft the definition and also reviewed it with City staff involved 
with STR issues.
The definition for Event Center, as set forth in the proposed ordinance, is:
Event Center means any use of a property for organized gatherings, parties, receptions, or 
functions, whether public or private, and that involves a commercial purpose, event type 
impacts, or activities requiring a city permit or license. Event Center includes, but is not limited 
to: weddings, receptions, parties, or banquets conducted for a fee or open invitation; corporate 
or promotional events, conferences; or any activity that would otherwise require a special 
event permit or business-related authorization under the Scottsdale Revised Code or Arizona 
Revised Statutes. Event Center does not include ordinary residential gatherings that remain 
incidental to the lawful residential occupancy of the dwelling.
The prohibition of using a STR as an Event Center would be enforced through S.R.C. §18-171, 
which prohibits STRs from being used for non-residential purposes.
RESOURCE IMPACTS
None. Existing staff will continue to administer and enforce the ordinance.
OPTIONS & STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Approach: Adopt Ordinance No. 4719, amending Chapter 18, Article 1, 
Section 18-2 of the Scottsdale Revised Code by adding a definition for Event Center.
RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT(S)
City Attorney, Police Department
STAFF CONTACTS (S)
Luis Santaella, City Attorney, lsantaella@scottsdaleaz.gov
APPROVED BY
Luis E. Santaella, City Attorney
(480) 312-2405, lsantaella@scottsdaleaz.gov
C/5'
Date
Page 2 of 3

City Council Report | Ordinance No. 4719
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance No. 4719
Page 3 of 3

ORDINANCE NO. 4719
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCOTTSDALE. 
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA, AMENDING CHAPTER 18. ARTICLE I. 
SECTION 18-2 OF THE SCOTTSDALE REVISED CODE BY ADDING A 
DEFINITION FOR EVENT CENTER
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Scottsdale as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 18, Article I, Section 18-2 of the Scottsdale Revised Code is 
amended and renumbered to conform by adding a new definition for Event Center as follows, 
with new language shown in shaded format;
Event Center means any use of a property for organized gatherings, parties, receptions, or 
functions, whether public or private, and that involves a commercial purpose, event type 
impacts, or activities requiring a city permit or license. Event Center includes, but is not limited 
to: weddings, receptions, parties, or banquets conducted for a fee or open invitation; corporate 
or promotional events, conferences; or any activity that would othenwise require a special event 
permit or business-related authorization under the Scottsdale Revised Code or Arizona Revised 
Statutes. Event Center does not include ordinary residential gatherings that remain incidental to 
the lawful residential occupancy of the dwelling.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Council of the City of Scottsdale this____ day of
______________ . 2026.
ATTEST:
CITY OF SCOTTSDALE, an 
Arizona municipal corporation
Ben Lane, City Clerk
Lisa Borowsky, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Luis E. Santaella, City Attorney
Attachment #1
19236773
Page 1 of 1