Who owns Wranglers Roost? Maricopa County files lawsuit against venue after years of butting heads

The lawsuit comes after numerous incidents involving sheriff’s deputies.

PUBLISHED AUG 16, 2024

Heidi and Reid Stewart moved to Wrangler's Roost in 2010.

Phoenix, Arizona: Maricopa County is taking legal action against Wranglers Roost, a venue in New River. The county has filed a lawsuit against the venue, alleging it has been operating illegally as a wedding venue without proper zoning.

The lawsuit comes after numerous incidents where sheriff’s deputies interrupted weddings at Wranglers Roost due to noise complaints and zoning violations. The MCSO has revealed that Wranglers Roost was not zoned for such events. Deputies have intervened at the venue a nuber of times over the years, as the MCSO had responded to numerous noise complaints from neighbors, some living over 1,000 feet away.

The county’s lawsuit alleges that the Stewarts consistently advertised Wranglers Roost as a resort.

Despite receiving cease-and-desist letters and facing charges, the Stewarts continued to host weddings without informing clients of the ongoing legal issues. The county’s lawsuit alleges that these violations date back to 2016, with the Stewarts consistently advertising Wranglers Roost as a resort on multiple platforms.

In a separate action, the county’s code compliance division fined the Stewarts over $106,000 for hosting these illegal events. However, a recent settlement reduced the fine to $750, provided the Stewarts comply with zoning laws moving forward. If they breach the agreement, the full penalty will be reinstated.