Galveston STR committee agrees on two-zone parking approach, sets enforcement work plan

The Galveston Short-Term Rental Committee agreed by consensus to recommend a two-zone parking policy for short-term rentals and to produce enforceable ordinance language and an enforcement plan for City Council consideration by June 26.

The committee’s recommendation divides the island into two parking typologies: properties east of 60 First Street would be allowed to use driveway space plus a maximum of two on-street spaces; properties west of 60 First Street would be expected to confine rental parking to on-site driveways or designated on-property spaces (no on-street parking for STRs). The committee asked staff to draft ordinance language, identify the data needed for enforcement and bring those materials back at a follow-up meeting.

Why it matters: residents and committee members described severe congestion, particularly on the West End where narrow streets (committee members cited typical widths of about 18–20 feet) can be blocked when cars park on both sides. Multiple public speakers and HOA leaders said the situation has already created safety and access problems for emergency vehicles and residents’…