City Council Proposes Stricter Regulations for Problematic Short Term Rentals

In a recent Garland City Council work session, officials tackled the contentious issue of short-term rentals (STRs), focusing on new compliance agreements aimed at curbing violations by repeat offenders. The proposed measures include strict occupancy limits of 10 people or two persons per bedroom, whichever is less, and a ban on outdoor activities between 9 PM and 9 AM. Additionally, the city plans to install outdoor noise sensors and impose a 24-month revocation period for properties that violate these terms three or more times.

Councilmember Moore raised concerns about the potential for litigation, questioning whether these regulations unfairly target STRs compared to regular homeowners. He highlighted the risk of legal challenges, especially given recent court rulings that have complicated the regulation of such properties. Moore emphasized that while the city aims to address disruptive behavior from a few bad actors, the new rules could expose Garland to increased legal scrutiny.

In response, city officials acknowledged the risks associated with the proposed regulations but stressed the need to balance community safety with legal compliance. They noted that only a handful of properties have consistently caused issues, yet the new ordinance could lead to more litigation and enforcement challenges.

Councilmember Bass defended the measures, arguing that they are necessary to manage STRs that operate more like commercial businesses in residential neighborhoods. He pointed out that the compliance agreements are specifically for properties with multiple violations, aiming to ensure that these rentals adhere to community standards.

The discussion underscored the ongoing struggle between local governance and state regulations regarding STRs, as officials seek to implement effective controls while navigating the legal landscape. As the council moves forward, the appetite for risk and the potential impact on community dynamics remain at the forefront of the conversation.