Is Airbnb About to Get Banned From The Park Cities? UP Zoning Committee Discuss Limiting Short Term Rentals
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The University Park City Council is considering limiting short-term rentals in single-family neighborhoods, says the one and only Dan Koller of Park Cities People. Interesting topic to see at the end of a City Council agenda, and one that might address the growing trend of unregulated room rentals from websites such as Airbnb.
The staff report filed by assistant city manager Robbie Corder categorizes a short-term rental as typically less than seven days and is associated with a vacation, business trip, or special event. As it is written, University Park’s comprehensive zoning ordinance doesn’t address these types of rentals, “therefore, property owners have the ability to rent property for any length of time,” Corder said.
From the report:
Staff has been contacted by residents expressing concerns with properties that lease on a short-term basis. These residents have requested the City Council consider regulations to specifically address short-term rentals in single-family zoned districts. Staff believes there are currently no regulations in place that would allow successful enforcement against short-term rentals; consequently, an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance will be necessary if the Council desires to regulate short-term rentals in single-family districts.
From a quick search of airbnb.com for the 75205 zip code, I found two rentals in University Park, including the one above on Daniel Avenue, which has 17 guest reviews from people who’ve rented the one-bedroom, one-bath apartment. There’s another rental available just north of the George Bush Presidential Center on Dyer Street, with only one review for the private bed and bath. In Highland Park there’s a guesthouse on Abbott Avenue with two bedrooms and one bath that has 94 reviews as well.
Honestly, this sounds a lot like the Uber/Yellow Cab fiasco that Dallas City Hall just addressed. On the one hand is a app-enabled, unregulated website and on the other are hotels that pay taxes and fees out the nose. The council approved staff’s recommendation to refer the issue to the Zoning Ordinance Advisory Committee, so it will be a while before we hear the end of this.
Do you think short-term rentals should be regulated?
I have heard that folks are making a little cash off Time Shares by putting them into AirB&B…
I have heard that folks are making a little cash off Time Shares by putting them into AirB&B…
I think as long as the guests are not disturbing the peace, there shouldn't be any reason to ban or regulate the short term rentals. The only reason the city would want to regulate it is for the taxes it would generate. Personally, I've always thought the high taxes you have to pay on hotel rooms are ridiculous and I would rather pay that money directly to local stores and restaurants than a government entity.
I think as long as the guests are not disturbing the peace, there shouldn't be any reason to ban or regulate the short term rentals. The only reason the city would want to regulate it is for the taxes it would generate. Personally, I've always thought the high taxes you have to pay on hotel rooms are ridiculous and I would rather pay that money directly to local stores and restaurants than a government entity.
Airbnb is a great service. I used it in Kentucky last year. I was lucky enough to have my hosts present for part of my stay and they gave me their insights into everything from restaurants to nail salons. They had two dogs so I felt right at home. This service allows a whole new of travel. It serves people that would either not be able to afford hotel rates or can't get a hotel in an area they need or those that travel with small children & want a place with a kitchen and a yard. It's a brilliant service and in my opinion does not pull clients from hotels. I prefer air b n b because I want that insight into a city, I want the flexibility of cooking and being in a neighborhood. There's room for every sort of service and Airbnb has a proven track record. I say don't fix what isn't broken because as soon as my kid goes to college I'm signing up!
Airbnb is a great service. I used it in Kentucky last year. I was lucky enough to have my hosts present for part of my stay and they gave me their insights into everything from restaurants to nail salons. They had two dogs so I felt right at home. This service allows a whole new of travel. It serves people that would either not be able to afford hotel rates or can't get a hotel in an area they need or those that travel with small children & want a place with a kitchen and a yard. It's a brilliant service and in my opinion does not pull clients from hotels. I prefer air b n b because I want that insight into a city, I want the flexibility of cooking and being in a neighborhood. There's room for every sort of service and Airbnb has a proven track record. I say don't fix what isn't broken because as soon as my kid goes to college I'm signing up!
KO was it an Airbnb vetted place? I've only heard a few complaints all the time they've been in business.
KO was it an Airbnb vetted place? I've only heard a few complaints all the time they've been in business.