Local Resident urges Little Rock to impose moratorium on short term rental applications

Short-term rentals (STRs) took center stage at the Little Rock City Board of Directors meeting on March 19, 2025, as community concerns over their proliferation were voiced passionately. Local resident and advocate, Ms. McDonald, urged the board to deny a specific STR application and implement a moratorium on new approvals until the city can effectively manage and enforce existing regulations.

McDonald highlighted the rapid growth of STRs in Little Rock, noting that over a thousand homes are currently listed on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, while only 112 have received official city approval. She expressed alarm over a recent Planning Commission decision that disregarded staff recommendations, allowing an STR application to proceed without proper evaluation. “This lack of process makes it a registration rather than an application process,” she stated, emphasizing the need for stricter oversight.

The resident's concerns extended to the impact of STRs on neighborhood dynamics, citing issues with noise and unfamiliar guests. “If I have a short-term rental next door, I don’t know who’s there from week to week,” she lamented, calling for conditions that would protect residential living standards.

McDonald also referenced House Bill 1790, which seeks to expand STR regulations statewide, arguing that local control is essential for effective governance. She urged the board to consider amendments to the city’s ordinance, proposing restrictions on the proximity of STRs to residential homes.

As the meeting concluded, the board was left to weigh the implications of McDonald’s testimony and the growing tension surrounding STRs in Little Rock, with community members rallying for more robust regulations to safeguard their neighborhoods.