Neighbors' parking and safety concerns drive denial of short-term rental at Lake Nasworthy

The San Angelo Planning Commission denied a conditional-use application for a short-term rental at 1905 Beatty Road after residents from the Lake Nasworthy area raised sustained objections about parking, noise and safety.

Lead planner Ray Lineberry told commissioners the property met basic STR code requirements — safety inspection passed, two paved parking spaces provided and separation/distance rules met — and staff recommended approval subject to zoning ordinance sections governing STRs (sections 406 and 804). The applicant’s builder and Lisa Cannon, who said she built the house, told the commission the home was designed for marketability and that enforcement would be locally administered by the owner and operators.

Neighbors, however, described persistent problems tied to the site. "They're there to party," said Daniel Venezuela, a nearby resident, describing loud music and repeated gatherings that have, he said, made it difficult for neighbors to enjoy their property. Other residents emphasized the lot’s very small size (about one-tenth of an acre), lack of curbs and gutters, constrained roadway width, and evidence of prior parking infringements that they said would be exacerbated by short-term guests. One first responder noted that access for stretchers and gurneys would be limited by the property configuration.

Multiple neighbors also handed photographs and written statements to the commission showing parked cars and other neighborhood impacts. Several residents asked the commission to consider the cumulative effect of STR activity on the lakeshore corridor and whether a long-term owner-occupant would be less disruptive than frequent short-term visitors.

Commission discussion focused on the unusual lot size and the fact that the commission previously denied a similar STR application for a small lake lot. One commissioner said a long-term tenant could generate the same parking pressure, but others pointed to repeated incidents and a lack of physical buffer between houses as reasons for concern. Staff noted the renewal process would allow the city to review complaints and evidence of code violations in the future but said the renewal timeline does not bring the matter back before the commission absent sufficient complaints or enforcement actions.

Following deliberation, the commission voted to deny the STR conditional-use application by a 6–1 vote.

Quote: "They're there to party," said Daniel Venezuela, summarizing neighbors’ concerns about recurring loud gatherings and parking spillover.

What happens next: Because the planning commission denied the conditional use, the applicant may consider revising the proposal or pursue remedies through other channels. Planning staff reminded the public that STR permits require annual renewal and that enforcement or multiple complaints can trigger review or nonrenewal.