Council approves non-owner-occupied short‑term rental at Horizon Road despite nearby resident concerns

The Rockwall City Council approved a specific-use permit July 21 to allow a non-owner-occupied short-term rental at 3985 Horizon Road, finding the property’s location and the applicant’s management practices reduced anticipated neighborhood impacts.

Ryan, planning staff, summarized the application and explained an existing ordinance requires non-owner-occupied STRs be at least 1,000 feet apart unless the council grants an SUP. The subject property is about 814.5 feet from a nearby non-owner-occupied STR and sits along Horizon Road, a major arterial, and adjacent to vacant floodplain lots. Planning staff noted the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial 5–2, so approval by council required a supermajority; council voted in favor by the necessary margin.

Applicant Himat Chauhan (S5) said he has operated short-term rentals and hotels for 15 years, has paid occupancy taxes, and offered to be a local, 24/7 representative reachable by phone. A neighbor, Cameron Fairchild (S8), voiced concerns about crime, late-night noise and the broader neighborhood impact of STRs. Council members pressed the applicant on house rules, minimum-stay policies (the owner said he enforces a five-night minimum), and how the city enforces the STR code; staff noted an escalation system that can revoke permits after repeated violations.

Councilmembers cited the property's distance, existing buffers (floodplain) and the owner’s assurances as reasons to approve. The council approved the SUP unanimously.

Next steps: the applicant must comply with STR permit rules including maintaining a local contact and staff will enforce the ordinance’s three-strikes provisions that can lead to permit revocation.