By Andrew Lwowski | Fountain Hills Times Independent (abridged)
Over the past four years, town staff has identified challenges within the current short-term and vacation rental ordinance. After reviewing other ordinances in the state, the Fountain Hills Town Council reviewed and unanimously approved amendments to the current code.
Among new revisions are definitions and consistent language to the permit process.
“The problem was not created by the person who rented the space but a guest, so we defined guests and later put in some regulations,” Development Services Director John Wesley said.
To better help with enforcement, staff will be able to use information from the application. The town also holds the ability to immediately revoke the permit if it should have been denied while clarifying the process for applicants to reapply after suspension or denial.
Suspensions are considered only after an owner has one or more verified violations, which are findings of guilt through a court.
Code now requires applicants to attest they have sent letters to neighbors notifying of the short-term rental, with contact information and an interactive map available on the town website.
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