Residents urge balanced short-term rental rules; some warn against hotel-style regulation

The McLendon-Chisholm City Council held a public hearing on a proposed short-term rental ordinance that would add article 3.09 to the code of ordinances, establishing registration, permitting, operational and safety standards and addressing hotel occupancy tax requirements under state law.

Residents told council they broadly support safeguards to protect neighborhood character but urged that the rules avoid overbroad hotel-style regulation. "We need some guardrails to protect neighborhood peace," said Sherry London (216 Harvest Ridge), who recommended allowing short-term rental of a guest house or owner-occupied room while the owner remains in the main residence, and urged 24/7 local contact requirements and safety equipment such as smoke and CO detectors. Sherry also cautioned that measures like a 1,000-foot separation rule and onerous annual renewals could turn private homes into de facto hotels.

Amy Hall (211 Tucker Road), who identified herself as a local host, said registration and basic rules (quiet hours, parking, trash) would legitimize responsible operations but asked council to tier permit fees for owner-occupied units under three bedrooms, allow operation while owners are temporarily away with a co-host or 24/7 contact, and consider a grace period with reduced fees for complaint-free households. Dennis London agreed the ordinance gets several protections right but urged removal of hotel occupancy tax treatment and adjustments to spacing and renewal requirements to avoid disproportionate regulation.

Angela (staff) opened and closed the hearing; council did not take final action on the ordinance at this meeting. Staff presented the ordinance language stating it would ensure compliance with Chapter 351 of the Texas Tax Code for hotel occupancy tax reporting.