Short-Term Rental permit in Tempe, AZ
Yes — you need a permit for short-term rental work in Tempe.
Before offering a property as a short-term or vacation rental, the owner must obtain an annual short-term rental license from the city. Renting or offering to rent without the license carries penalties. The owner must also carry the required liability insurance. This is an operating license, not a building permit.
| Permit needed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | Before offering a property as a short-term or vacation re… |
| Fee | Not in the ordinance — the department quotes it |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | 16A-213 (License required; penalties); 16A-218 (Insurance required) |
| Based on | City of Tempe Code, Ch. 16A, Art. X (Short-Term Rentals and Vacation Rentals) |
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Tempe building department.
- Pay the permit fee when the permit is issued. Work done before that isn't covered.
- Book each inspection listed on the permit as the job reaches that stage.
You pull this permit yourself, as the property owner.
If you skip it
Renting or offering to rent without the required annual short-term rental license is subject to penalties under Sec. 16A-213.
Nearby cities, same job
Rules stop at the city line. If your lot is near a boundary, or you work across several towns, this is where they differ.
| City | Distance | Permit? | Where the line falls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tempe | — | Yes | Before offering a property as a short-term or vacation re… |
| Gilbert | 12 mi | Yes | Before you rent out your home as a short-term or vacation… |
| Glendale | 18 mi | Yes | To operate a short-term or vacation rental in Glendale, t… |
| Avondale | 24 mi | Yes | Operating a short-term rental requires compliance with th… |
| Surprise | 36 mi | Yes | You must get a city short-term or vacation rental license… |
| San Antonio | 835 mi | Yes | No short-term rental may operate in San Antonio without a… |
Other work in Tempe
- Fence Depends
- Deck Depends
- Shed Depends
- Swimming Pool Yes
- Roof Replacement Depends
- Water Heater Depends
- HVAC Replacement Depends
- Electrical Panel Yes
- Demolition Yes
- Driveway —
- Tree Removal —
- Sign Yes
- Short-Term Rental Yes
- ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Yes
- Garage Yes
- Basement Yes
- Above-Ground Pool Depends
Questions people ask
I already built it without a permit. What now?
Tempe can issue a stop-work order and require you to apply after the fact, sometimes with an extra fee. Work that was covered up may have to be opened for inspection. Full walkthrough here.
Does unpermitted work cause problems when selling the house?
Often, yes. A buyer's inspector or the title company may flag it, and lenders can balk at financing a home with open or missing permits. What to do about it.