Dallas is getting closer to eliminating short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods.picture byFilter Quality/UnsplashonUnsplash
The City Plan Commission recommended that Dallas prevent short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods. The 9-4 vote will affect more than 2,000 residences. Dallas News reports that no current legislation allows these short-term rentals outright, but simply does not prohibit them.
The commission’s recommendation now goes to city council to decide on a true definition of short-term rentals, including VRBO and Airbnb listings as lodging in city code. This would prohibit accommodation in single-family residential neighborhoods. Dallas News says short-term rentals are defined as rentals of one month or less. The council could potentially choose three options: update current zoning laws to require owners of short-term rentals to reside in the listed home, develop registration rules and penalties for bad hosts, or possibly ban short-term rentals in residential areas.
Both Fort Worth and Arlington have banned short-term rentals in residential areas. Dallas News reports that the heated debate centers on neighborhood safety and quality of life. A city study was conducted that looked at 911 calls from short-term rentals and compared them to 911 calls from other residences. It was discovered that some of these short-term rentals belonged to large investment companies or landowners not living in the area. Dallas News reports Dallas City Hall is split on the issue, however, everyone wants to hold hosts and guests more accountable. Several working groups, studies and public hearings seeking to find regulations for the properties in question.
Many members of the public have spoken out against these short-term rentals. The public gives examples of noisy “party houses”. The main thing is to make a decision between the benefits of investments and the sanctity of the city. Dallas News reports that Airbnb has developed measures to limit parties this holiday season.
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