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City staff outlines short‑term rental compliance push, sets Dec. 1 deadline
Summary
City staff reported 31 short‑term rentals identified, two approved applications and one denial; staff said they have contacted nearly all owners and will pursue citations after a Dec. 1 compliance deadline if necessary.
City staff briefed the Weatherford City Council on Oct. 28 with an update on the short‑term rental (STR) program and a timeline for enforcement.
Scott McDonald told the council the STR ordinance was adopted Jan. 25 and became effective in June. Staff launched a program webpage and selected Avenue software to manage registration, monitor listings on platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo, log complaints through a 24/7 hotline and provide dashboards for tracking compliance and tax filing.
McDonald reported the city has identified 31 short‑term rentals with roughly a 47% occupancy rate per the software. Two applications have been approved, one was denied for being in a commercial zoning district, and two additional applications are in process. Staff said they have made direct in‑person contact with about 99% of owners and that more than 80% of owners said they were not previously aware of the initial notice.
Staff emphasized a compliance‑first approach but said enforcement tools are available, including citations and placarding properties as ineligible to operate. McDonald said staff is aiming for a drop‑dead compliance date of Dec. 1; after that date, citations may begin for noncompliant units. The permit fee was stated as $200 annually.
Council asked for a follow‑up report in three months to review registration numbers and program performance.
