Residents complain about noisy vacation rentals; council says state law gives limited new authority

Joyce Tieri, a Lake Havasu City resident, told the City Council on Aug. 27 that a recently licensed short‑term rental across the street from her Park Terrace Avenue home is producing recurring noise, late‑night arrivals and blocked driveways.

Tieri said the disturbances began three weekends earlier and involved “16 to 20 people and numerous children each weekend,” with cars, boat trailers and engines starting as late as 2 a.m. She described loud shouting and profanity where children were present and said neighbors have called the police, who “sympathize with us and understand” but told her there was little they could do. “This is a residential neighborhood, not a mini hotel neighborhood,” Tieri told the council.

Mayor Cal Sheehy responded that a change in state law that “went into effect yesterday” gives cities limited new authority to regulate short‑term rentals. He said staff is working on options and will consult neighbors while developing any local regulations, but cautioned the new authority is “very limited.”

Why it matters: The comment highlights local complaints about short‑term rentals’ neighborhood impacts — noise, parking and public‑safety concerns — and signals the council and staff will explore new regulations now that the Legislature has acted.

Discussion vs. decision: Tieri’s remarks were made during the public comment period and no ordinance or formal action was taken that night. Mayor Sheehy said staff will work on implementing the limited authority provided by the recently effective state law.

Ending: Council members did not take immediate action; staff will follow up with neighbors and return with options for the council to consider.