Overview

Short-term rentals ARE explicitly allowed in Marana, Arizona. The Town of Marana has implemented a comprehensive regulatory framework for short-term and vacation rentals, as outlined in Marana Town Code Chapter 9-14. New regulations became effective on May 5, 2023, requiring property owners to obtain a business license and comply with specific operational requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Marana

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare Required Documentation

   • Obtain a valid Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) number from the Arizona Department of Revenue
   • Register with the Pima County Assessor's Office
   • Secure liability insurance coverage
   • Complete background check requirements

2. Complete Business License Application

   • Fill out the Short-Term/Vacation Rental Business License Application
   • Provide all requested information including starting rental date
   • Submit required documents along with application

3. Pay Applicable Fees

   • Submit $60 new license fee
   • Payment options include credit/debit card (phone or in-person), check (mail or in-person), or cash (in-person only)

4. Neighbor Notification

   • Provide notification to neighboring properties
   • Complete and submit neighbor notification attestation to the Town
   • This must be completed before the rental start date

5. Maintain Ongoing Compliance

   • Renew license annually
   • Report any changes to business information within 10 days
   • Pay all applicable taxes
   • Comply with all Town Code provisions

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Documents and Permits

1. Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License

   • Application at: www.aztaxes.gov
   • Must be obtained from the Arizona Department of Revenue

2. Property Registration

   • Register with Pima County Assessor's Office
   • Website: www.asr.pima.gov

3. Liability Insurance

   • Evidence of liability insurance required for every hosting platform

4. Background Check

   • Required as part of the licensing process

5. Short-Term/Vacation Rental Business License

   • Application form available through Town of Marana
   • Must include starting rental date

License Fees Structure

• New License Fee: $60 ($40 refundable if denied)
• Annual Renewal Fee: $40
• Late Fee: $10 if paid 15 days after expiration date

Additional Required Actions

• Neighbor Notification: Required templates available for single-family and multi-family homes
• Neighbor Notification Attestation: Must be submitted to the Town before rental start date
• Emergency Contact Information: Must be provided and kept current

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Town of Marana Regulations

Operational Requirements

• STRs must comply with all federal, state, and local laws
• Must maintain valid TPT license
• Property information must be updated within 10 days of any changes
• Annual license renewal required

Prohibited Uses

• Non-residential use
• Special events requiring permits/licenses
• Retail business, restaurant, event center, or banquet hall operations
• Housing for sex offenders
• Sober living homes
• Sale of liquor or illegal drugs
• Commercial pornography production/display
• Adult-oriented businesses
• Any other uses prohibited by Arizona law or Town code

Penalty Structure

Marana implements a graduated penalty system for violations:

• First violation: Up to $500 or one night's rent (whichever is greater)
• Second violation: Up to $1,000 or two nights' rent (whichever is greater)
• Third and subsequent violations: Up to $3,500 or three nights' rent (whichever is greater)

Special Provisions for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

• ADUs constructed on or after September 14, 2024, may only be used as short-term rentals if the owner resides on the property containing the ADU
• This requirement is continuous - the owner must maintain residence on the property while the ADU is used as an STR

Enforcement

• Properties operating without proper licensing must cease operations immediately
• Failure to apply for license within 30 days of notice: Up to $1,000 per month civil penalty
• Failure to provide emergency contact information: Up to $1,000 for every 30-day period of non-compliance

State-Level Regulations (Arizona)

• Municipalities are authorized to regulate STRs under Arizona Revised Statutes §9-500.39
• Marana's regulations comply with and implement state statutory requirements

Contact Information

Primary Contact

Business Licensing Department

• Phone: (520) 382-1900 (general) or (520) 382-1918 (specific STR inquiries)
• Email: licensing@maranaaz.gov
• Email (general contact): contact@maranaaz.gov

Physical Address

Marana Municipal Complex 11555 W Civic Center Dr. Marana, AZ 85653

Payment Processing

• Phone Payments: (520) 382-1900 (credit/debit cards accepted)
• In-Person Payments: Marana Municipal Complex (all payment types accepted)
• Mailed Payments: Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W Civic Center Dr., Marana, AZ 85653

Links to Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Documents

• Marana STR Business License Information
• Marana Town Code
• Ordinance 2023.009 - Original STR Regulations
• Ordinance 2024.023 - ADU Updates

Required Application Forms

• Short-Term/Vacation Rental Business License Application
• Neighbor Notification - Single Family Home
• Neighbor Notification - Multi-Family Home
• Neighbor Notification Attestation

State Resources

• Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax
• Pima County Assessor

Additional Information

• Town of Marana STR Regulations Overview
• Marana Town Code - Ordinances
• Timeframe for Internal Processing

Important Note: This guide is based on the most current information available as of the provided sources. STR regulations can change, and investors should verify current requirements with the Town of Marana Business Licensing Department before proceeding with any STR operation.