Wednesday, September 25, 2024
AZLE — The city of Azle has continued to work on drafting an ordinance to deal with problems residents have reported with local short-term rentals. Short-term rental properties like Airbnb and Vrbo can be a great resource for those traveling for business or pleasure, but also a thorn in the side of neighbors and municipalities.
Over the last several years, cities throughout North Texas have attempted to pass ordinances banning or restricting short-term rentals within city limits. Outright bans have not been viewed favorably by courts and have largely been overturned. Many cities have found success in restricting or adding conditions to the operations of short-term rentals instead.
Kenneth Bachelor, who lives on Windjammer Lane, first brought the issue to the council’s attention during an April 16 meeting. Bachelor stated that an Airbnb located on his street was a constant source of overcrowding and noise, alleging there were as many as 17 cars parked in front of the house on a particular weekend and that the police had to be called. Council members Amy Estes and Stacy Peek claimed they had also witnessed similar problems with short-term rental properties.
In an email to the Tri-County Reporter, the property owner confirmed there had been many cars at the property for an end-of-life celebration at one point, but said he is quick to rectify any major disturbances on the rare occasions that they happen.
Since March, the Azle Police Department reported having been called to the property for three separate noise disturbances.
Council members continued the discussion June 4 with a legal expert on the topic, Rachel Raggio. With the council’s input, the city attorney’s office was able to draft a possible ordinance for further consideration. The guidelines were presented at a Sept. 17 meeting where the document was commented on by council members. With the ordinance, the city hopes to reduce excess traffic, noise and potential health or safety concerns short-term rental properties may have on residents throughout Azle.
City Attorney Andrea Russell emphasized the need for strong evidence and thoughtful regulation to avoid legal challenges. She stated that the foundation for the regulations should focus on the impact the properties have on the health and safety of the community.
As the draft document is currently written, it would make it unlawful to rent or lease a short-term rental for a period of more than 29 days or less than 24 hours, though the council had clarifying questions on the time period which may impact future drafts. The draft ordinance would establish a limit of no more than two people per bedroom with a maximum number of occupants not to exceed 12. It would also require short-term rental owners to comply with uniform safety standards, pay hotel occupancy taxes and inform guests of all city codes related to noise levels and other issues of conduct. The council requested the ordinance be updated to limit parking to driveway and garage areas, with no overnight street parking. Short-term rental owners would also need to apply for a permit with the city to legally operate. If enacted, any owners, operators and occupants in violation of the future ordinance’s rules could be fined.
Readers can access the draft ordinance online at azletx.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3457/files/attachment/6080.
The city council is likely to consider further action and discussion on this item in future meetings.
