Council approves specific-use permit for short-term rental at 313 Highland Avenue

The Waxahachie City Council approved a specific-use permit allowing short-term rental use at 313 Highland Avenue in a Single-Family 2 zoning district. The applicant is 2 M Texas LLC Series A; the owner and applicant sought permission to operate a three-bedroom, approximately 1,000-square-foot short-term rental with three off-street parking spaces.

Why it matters: short-term rentals can change neighborhood character and parking demand; the planning and zoning commission had recommended approval 5–0 but staff reported four letters in opposition and no letters in support.

What was said: city planning staff (Trenton) told the council the property "meets our minimum requirements for short term rentals" and noted the zoning is "consistent with the surrounding area." During public comment Homer Thompson identified himself as a resident at 254 Bear Trail and said he opposed short-term rentals in residential areas because his homeowners’ association covenants require leases of at least six months.

Decision and action: a council member moved to approve ZDC 78 20 25, a specific-use permit for a short-term rental, "subject to the conditions of the staff report and authorizing the interim city manager or mayor to execute all necessary documents." The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote; the record notes council approval but does not list individual roll-call votes in the minutes.

Context and limits: Trenton said the property is not identified as a homestead in ECAD and reiterated that on-street parking will be prohibited under the SUP conditions. The city’s approval follows standard SUP review procedures and the conditions in the staff report.