The Glendale City Council has recently taken significant steps to enhance its short-term rental regulations by approving several amendments during a workshop meeting. Deputy City Manager Rick St. John presented these new provisions to the mayor and council, highlighting the importance of adapting regulations based on successful models from other cities, such as Flagstaff and Sedona.

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Key Amendments to Short-Term Rental Regulations.

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a neighborhood notification requirement. Under this amendment, property owners or their designated representatives must notify neighbors before offering or renting their short-term rental properties. This notification extends to adjacent properties and those directly across and diagonally from the rental. It must be delivered in writing, either through certified mail with a receipt or hand-delivered. The notification must include the short-term rental account number issued by the city, the rental address, and contact details for a 24-hour emergency point of contact. St. John emphasized the importance of this requirement, stating, “They have to attest to the city that they’ve completed that prior to operating as a short-term rental.” Furthermore, if any changes occur regarding the contact information or other provisions, another notification must be sent along with an attestation letter to the city. Another key amendment addresses occupancy rates, aligning them with the international fire code. The current limit is set at one person per 200 gross square feet of floor area, which includes all spaces within the property, not just livable square footage. This stipulation is particularly relevant for residents rather than guests, ensuring that occupancy levels remain manageable and safe. Additionally, the ordinance introduces new definitions and clarifies existing prohibitions. While short-term rentals were already prohibited from being used as event centers, the term was not previously defined. The new definition describes an event center as any structure or area used for public performances, private receptions, sporting events, or similar activities that may generate heavy traffic. Moreover, the amendments explicitly prohibit short-term rentals from functioning as pop-up stores.

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Council Discussions and Future Considerations

During the meeting, Council Member Bart Turner raised concerns about the total number of individuals allowed in a short-term rental during events or parties. He advocated for establishing a maximum occupancy limit, stating, “It’s the number of people that can be within the property at any given time … that’s where my concern lies.” Despite these concerns, the council ultimately decided to adopt the amendments as presented. Mayor Jerry Weiers expressed his support for the amendments while acknowledging the necessity for ongoing evaluation. “I support it the way it is right now, but I also would really like to pay more attention to the visitor occupancy and see if that is something that we’re going to have to correct down the road,” he remarked. He highlighted the flexibility of the council to revisit and amend the regulations if they do not adequately address the issues at hand.

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Conclusion

These amendments reflect Glendale's proactive approach to managing the impact of short-term rentals on local neighborhoods. By implementing these new regulations, the city aims to foster a safer and more harmonious community while still accommodating the needs of short-term rental operators. The council’s commitment to regular reviews of the ordinance's effectiveness ensures that any necessary adjustments can be made in response to community feedback and evolving circumstances.

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