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Resident urges council to add short-term-rental density cap before moratorium ends
Summary
A Lewisville resident asked the council to add a density clause to the city's short-term rental ordinance so no more than 12.5% of a block-face can be licensed as STRs. She cited Fredericksburg experience and Fifth Circuit rulings about local concerns.
During the visitors forum, Ainsley Stelling, a Lewisville resident, urged the council to add a density clause to the city's short-term-rental (STR) ordinance before the current moratorium ends in March. Stelling proposed a limit that "no more than 12.5% of a block face be permitted short-term rentals."
Stelling said her concern stems from cases such as Fredericksburg, where she said one in four homes converted to STRs without regulation and neighborhoods changed. She cited a national data source's housing-price figures and said the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has recognized legitimate local concerns about preventing nuisances, promoting affordable housing and protecting neighborhood residential character.
"While I know this doesn't help my neighborhood now, it poises us for success in the future," Stelling told the council. She asked the council to add a density cap before the moratorium expires to help preserve neighborhood character and avert future displacement.
Council members did not take action on the request during the public-comment period; any change to the ordinance would require staff analysis, possible legal review and formal action by the council at a future meeting.
Stelling asked the council to place the item on the agenda before the moratorium ends; staff and council will need to determine legal viability and draft ordinance language if they choose to pursue the proposal.
