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Neighbor urges investigation after large short-term rental accused of event use and fire hazards
Summary
A Show Low resident told the council that a neighboring short-term rental operating as an event venue is repeatedly violating city short-term rental rules, creating parking and fire safety risks and lacking required onsite contact signage.
A Show Low resident called on the city council to investigate what he described as repeated code and safety violations at a nearby short-term rental that he says is operating as a commercial event venue. Andrew Quinn, who identified himself as living at 4521 West Hawthorne Road, said the property at 4551 West Hawthorne advertises sleeping space for “16 plus people” and “has been used as a venue for weddings, corporate retreats, and large group gatherings.”
Quinn told the council that the rental routinely causes overflow parking “not just along the street but in the front yard,” which he said poses a fire hazard because of “pine needles and dry debris on the ground” and can block access for emergency vehicles. He said the property lacks a required sign “within 6 feet of the entrance displaying contact and emergency information,” which he cited as Show Low ordinance 16.55.070. He also said Timber Mesa Fire was called in July for an electrical fire caused by an e-bike charger in the garage.
“Is there an ordinance that requires short-term rental owners to clearly post fire restrictions or safe use guidelines for fire features?” Quinn asked the council, adding that the home includes a gas grill, Traeger smoker, gas-fired pizza oven and a gas fire pit “with an extremely high flame” and an EV charger.
Mayor Kelso asked Quinn to leave his contact information with the city clerk so staff can look into the concerns. No formal action or motion was taken during the meeting; the item was raised during the public comment period.
The complaint is a request for staff investigation and enforcement, not a council motion or regulatory change. The transcript reflects Quinn’s request that staff and the city clerk examine alleged ordinance noncompliance and safety risks at that property.
