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Commission approves three short-term rental permits amid neighbor concern
Summary
The Waxahachie commission approved three specific-use permits for short-term rentals (ZDC1372025, ZDC1442025, ZDC1652025). Supporters cited strict rules and property improvements; opponents said STRs change neighborhood character and raise safety concerns.
The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of three specific-use permits allowing short-term rental (STR) uses in single-family zoning districts during its Dec. 8 meeting.
Staff presented each case with property details and public-notice letters. For 105 Indian Court (ZDC1372025) staff noted the 3-bedroom, 1,340 sq ft property has three off-street parking spaces and zero nuisance calls to the Waxahachie Police Department in the prior 12 months; staff reported 0 letters of support and three letters of opposition. The commissioners voted to recommend approval after hearing from the applicant and a landlord who said well-managed short-term rentals can rehabilitate properties.
At the 311 Maureen Avenue hearing (ZDC1442025) staff said the property had four bedrooms, four off-street parking spaces and 8 letters of opposition. Commissioners discussed county appraisal records and conditioned approval on transferring homestead status where appropriate; the commission recommended approval with that condition.
For 211 Pecan Street (ZDC1652025), staff reported the property was previously operated as an STR and needed re-registration after an ownership change; six letters of support and two letters of opposition were received. Timothy Ramos, representing Promise Church Ministries (the current owner), said rental income will fund the ministry's community work and that rules will be strictly enforced. Commissioners confirmed registration will be a condition and recommended approval.
Opponents urged caution. Anna Holder said rezoning single-family blocks for STRs "changes my neighborhood from a place to raise a family to a place for a business to make money." A landlord who owns several Airbnbs said that tight rules and local enforcement are effective and that well-run units can improve neighborhoods. Each SUP was acted on individually and the motions carried.
Next steps: recommendations will go to the city council for final action; where staff listed registration or homestead transfer conditions, those are to be completed before registration.
