Scottsdale Mayor to Discuss City’s Successes and Future at Annual Address
Scottsdale Mayor David D. Ortega will hold his State of the City address from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wed., Jan. 18, at the Scottsdale Stadium Fieldhouse, 7408 E. Osborn Rd. The ticketed event is open for registration. Lunch will be provided. To attend, register online at scottsdalechamber.com.
“Join me, the Scottsdale Chamber, and members of the Scottsdale City Council for the 2023 State of the City address,” says Ortega. “The residents of Scottsdale spoke when they voted to ratify General Plan 2035. As mayor, I will ensure the 24 elements of the General Plan are implemented. Each element is equally important for a wholistic and balanced city.”
Those who can’t attend in person can watch Mayor Ortega’s address following the event on Scottsdale Video Network or on Scottsdale’s YouTube Channel.
The 2023 State of Scottsdale event is sponsored by the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce and HonorHealth.
Owners have until Jan. 8 to license short-term rental properties in Scottsdale
City ordinance requires short-term/vacation rental property owners/operators to obtain a Scottsdale license for each property and comply with several safety, health, and neighbor notification requirements. Owners must obtain licenses by Jan. 8.
The city has notified all known short-term/vacation rental properties about the licensing requirement via direct mail. However, as of Dec. 14, only 530 of an estimated 5,000 properties in Scottsdale have applied for or received their Scottsdale license.
“I’m concerned that only a small percentage of all properties currently advertising in Scottsdale have applied for the license we require,” says Scottsdale Mayor David D. Ortega. “I urge all owners to act now and obtain the license – doing so is simple, and it’s the law in Scottsdale.”
A short-term/vacation rental covers rentals of less than 30 days. Owners that rent for 30 days or longer do not need to obtain a license through this process.
Failure to receive the city’s letter does not alleviate an owner’s responsibility to obtain a license or comply with other ordinance and legal requirements. Beginning Jan. 9, any short-term/vacation rental property operating in Scottsdale without a license will be violating the law. The owner/operator will be subject to enforcement action by the city that includes being cited with a minimum fine of $1,000 per violation. Review the requirements and apply for a Scottsdale rental property license at scottsdaleaz.gov, search “short-term rental.”
Maricopa County Offers Vouchers for Propane Fire Pit Program
In Maricopa County, a combination of wood-burning and stagnant weather conditions can create poor air quality during the winter. Using a propane fire pit rather than wood-burning pits and fireplaces can reduce air pollution caused by smoke. In an effort to reduce smoke produced by outdoor wood burning fire pits, the Maricopa County Air Quality Department has created a Propane Fire Pit Program in partnership with the Arizona Propane Gas Association, the Propane Education & Research Council, and Home Depot. The county is offering a $75 voucher toward the purchase of a propane fire pit. The program is available to all Maricopa County residents. To learn more, visit cleanairmakemore.com/firepit.
