The Rockwall City Council unanimously approved a specific use permit on July 21 to allow a non‑owner occupied short‑term rental at 3985 Horizon Road, despite the property being within 1,000 feet of an existing non‑owner occupied STR. The council and staff noted the house sits on Horizon Road adjacent to floodplain lots and that the applicant has an operating history in Rockwall.

Staff told council that City ordinance 24‑10 requires non‑owner occupied STRs to be at least 1,000 feet apart unless the council grants an exception by SUP; the existing STR at 144 Mulberry Lane is roughly 814.5 feet from the subject property. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended denial 5‑2, but the council reviewed details and granted the exception by unanimous vote. As with other STR permits, the property owner will be required to comply with local STR rules, including providing a local contact available 24/7 and adhering to the city’s enforcement provisions.

Applicant Himat (Himat) Chauhan described his background as an operator of hotel properties and said he has run STRs in Rockwall and elsewhere for years, adding, “I have been doing this short term rental for last 5 years,” and that he would comply with taxes and regulations. A nearby resident, Cameron Fairchild, who lives about 800 feet from the property, told council that noise, property values and crime concerns motivate opposition; he asked council to weigh neighborhood impacts. Staff reminded council the ordinance contains a three‑strike enforcement policy, a requirement for a local contact and other controls designed to address neighborhood complaints.

Councilmembers who supported the SUP noted the house is on a major roadway (Horizon Road) adjacent to a treed floodplain and that the applicant described rules intended to screen renters and reduce parties, including a five‑night minimum on stays and personal greeting of guests. Councilmember Lewis moved to approve; Councilmember Campbell seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

The applicant must meet standard STR permit conditions (local contact, occupancy tax compliance and adherence to noise and nuisance enforcement). Councilmembers said the operation’s record and proposed controls were factors in their approval.