Scottsdale takes steps to address Short Term Rentals
Starting Friday, Scottsdale police will have more power to stop nuisance parties frequently associated with vacation and short-term rentals. In December, the city council voted unanimously to update two ordinances.
Owners of vacation and short-term rental properties must provide an emergency contact who will respond who within an hour. Assistant City Manager Brent Stockwell said the council also strengthened its nuisance party ordinance by adding noise levels and measurement criteria, increasing fines for hosts and property owners and defining habitual offenders.
Scottsdale voters approve General Plan 2035
"Importantly, residents are voting on our General Plan 2035, in favor of our low-profile, low density, open space, Sonoran Desert sustainable and family-friendly identity," Ortega told The Republic.
Vote YES for the General Plan
From the mayor: Vote ‘yes’ on Scottsdale General Plan 2035 this fall
I am proud of Scottsdale’s General Plan 2035, which is truly citizen-driven, written by all stakeholders. Please vote yes, sign and mail-in the ballot as soon as possible.
Why is the General Plan 2035 so vital for Scottsdale? It is the blueprint document, updated every 10 years, which directs and guides city staff and City Council in their decisions.
Scottsdale government is the most accountable, responsible and responsive when it adheres to the General Plan.
“Scottsdale will continue to be an exceptional Sonoran Desert experience and premier international destination, where our Western heritage is valued. Our diverse neighborhoods foster outstanding livability, social connectivity, healthy lifestyles and a sustainable environment. Scottsdale will thrive by attracting and retaining business centers of excellence that encourage innovation and prosperity.”
“Scottsdale will respect and be sensitive to the history and legacy found in the heart of Old Town, in designated Historic Preservation neighborhoods, at archaeological sites, in the equestrian community and within cultural and architectural resources, which define our Sense of Place.”
After scores of public meetings, hundreds of hours of discussion, eight council work study sessions, and countless public comments, your council voted unanimously to forward General Plan 2035 for your approval.
There are too many elements to recount here, but details are at ScottsdaleAZ.gov/GeneralPlan2035.
Citizen participation, resilience, and innovation inspire us as we embrace the past and step into the future. This is our plan, for our city. Together, we are Scottsdale, Arizona — the one and only one in the world!
Be a part of our success by voting yes on General Plan 2035.
Editor’s Note: David Ortega is mayor of Scottsdale.
Mayor promotes city council districts
Council majority demands more Old Town study
Old Town consists of 1% of Scottsdale land. 2018 Old Town Scottsdale Character Plan would add 35,000 new residents, overcrowding and blading Scottsdale. Responsible growth not "metropolitan future." See Scottsdale Progress.
City budget poses possible housing help
Mayor David Ortega also asked Council to increase the spending cap by $10 million to include contingency funds that could pay for an affordable housing solution or provide resources and housing for the city’s homeless population.
Ortega didn’t specify what that solution would look like or where that funding would come from, but said he wanted the option to act if a suitable project presented itself in the next fiscal year.
I also believe that aspirations really don’t happen unless we make them actionable, and in this case, as we’re dealing with the 2021-22 budget, I believe that we need to put in some funding for affordable housing,” Ortega said.
Scottsdale General Plan moves forward
Ortega: Scottsdale’s general plan update moves forward
I am proud of Scottsdale’s General Plan 2035.
On June 8 my council colleagues and I will be asked to formally adopt this document that begins:
“Scottsdale will continue to be an exceptional Sonoran Desert experience and premier international destination, where our Western heritage is valued. Our diverse neighborhoods foster outstanding livability, social connectivity, healthy lifestyles and a sustainable environment. Scottsdale will thrive by attracting and retaining business centers of excellence that encourage innovation and prosperity.”
And that is just the start. After scores of public meetings, hundreds of hours of discussion, either Council work study sessions, and countless public comments, together, we have crafted our vision of Scottsdale.
With the passage of the anti-discrimination ordinance, we have elevated our reputation as a community that values and respects one another.
“Scottsdale offers a variety of multi-generational lifestyle choices that are responsibly planned, connected and supported by appropriate infrastructure and services. Neighborhood life promotes well-being and public safety via reliable municipal services.”
And in the face of adversity, Scottsdale withstood pandemic challenges with grit, consistent with our unified vision.
“Scottsdale will continue to thrive by supporting existing small businesses and fostering a pro-business environment, so that all businesses can grow and choose to locate in Scottsdale to leverage technology; and accelerate innovation and creativity, buoyed by a knowledge-based workforce.”
Scottsdale core values embrace the past as we step forward into the future.
“Scottsdale will respect and be sensitive to the history and legacy found in the heart of Old Town, in designated Historic Preservation neighborhoods, at archaeological sites, in the equestrian community and within cultural and architectural resources, which define our Sense of Place.”
These highlights are segments of the community-wide effort that created Scottsdale’s new General Plan, which guides the physical development of Scottsdale and acts as a blueprint to enhance our community aspirations. Every voter in Scottsdale will ultimately have the most important role when the plan goes to the ballot in November.
It is impossible to thank everyone individually for their tireless efforts and recognize each staff member who assembled our collective voices, but I will say it here — thank you to every person who contributed to this most important effort.
This is our plan, for our city. Together, we are Scottsdale, Arizona — the one and only one in the world.
Editor’s Note: David D. Ortega is the mayor of Scottsdale.
Anti-discrimination ordinance.
The Scottsdale City Council is expected to approve an anti-discrimination ordinance that would extend protections to the LGBTQ community in April, just months after voters elected a new mayor and council majority.
Scottsdale Independent - Short-term rentals
Ortega: Confronting short-term rentals
Last night, another shooting at a Scottsdale short-term-rental. The looting at Fashion Square was planned and staged from a nearby STR.
Often seen, occupants at STRs jumping off patio roofs into pools. What is the city doing to halt the general disruption in our neighborhoods, overstuffed trash receptacles and misused recycling containers?
All of the above are intolerable in our family-friendly neighborhoods. Near my house are four short-term rentals, excess cars on the street, the occasional long limo and six passenger beer buggy.