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Aransas Pass drafts short‑term rental rules: registration, initial inspection and three‑strike complaint policy proposed
Summary
Council reviewed a draft short‑term rental ordinance that would require annual registration with a 24/7 local contact, an initial safety inspection, seasonal trash requirements and a three‑complaint suspension policy; staff proposed $150 initial registration and $100 renewal.
City staff presented an updated draft ordinance to regulate short‑term rentals such as Airbnb units, reintroducing the topic after a prior effort 2–3 years ago. The draft adds definitions (owner, operator, accessory short‑term rental), requires each unit to designate a local contact available 24/7, and sets maximum occupancy rules.
On waste management, the draft sets seasonal trash‑tote requirements for the peak tourism window (March 1 to Sept. 8) to reduce overflowing containers. Staff also proposed an initial safety inspection when a property registers; the inspection is not proposed as a recurring, paid inspection but as a condition of permitting.
Fees proposed by staff included a $150 initial registration fee and a $100 annual renewal. Staff reported they currently have contact information for about 25 registered properties and said outreach would use utility bills and website notices to inform owners of new requirements.
Enforcement would be handled initially by the department with code enforcement and would include an appeals process that begins at the department level and can escalate to council. The ordinance proposes that properties with three verified complaints could face suspension or removal of short‑term rental status.
Next steps: staff will incorporate council feedback and return a final draft for consideration at a future meeting.
