Mesquite, TX – May 3, 2022 – After an increasing number of concerns raised by residents living near short term rental properties, the Mesquite City Council passed a series of measures to address concerns with parking, noise, commercial events and disorderly conduct at these properties.
Mesquite City Councilmember Tandy Boroughs initiated the changes following concerns by residents in one neighborhood. “Residents want to be able to peacefully enjoy their homes. Occupants of short term rentals should not be able to host parties with dozens of people and create noise and parking problems. Neighborhoods were not designed to handle this type of use.
Short Term Rentals have become popular nationwide as an alternative to hotel stays. A short term rental or STR is a home unit that is available to rent for a stay less than 30 days. The ordinance approved the City Council was designed to address the impacts STR’s have on the quality of life for neighborhoods.
The new amendments and additions to the STR Ordinance include:
- Annual license and inspection requirements
- Minimum property standards and compliance with City Codes
- Use standards limiting the number of overnight guests, parking and advertising
- Prohibiting commercial events at the property
- Mandatory posting of regulations for guests that include city regulations, trash disposal, parking, etc.
- Mandatory posting on the exterior of the property that includes a local agent’s name and phone number
- Requirements for a local agent to address issues at the property within 45 minutes
Other ordinance changes were approved that align all of the City’s rental programs and minimum housing standards under one chapter for uniformity.
Mayor Aleman stated, “Over the past several years we’ve had several issues with short term rentals being used for large gatherings. These parties often get out of hand and police are called. These changes are intended to hold the property owner responsible for activities that occur on their property and protect neighbors who do not want to be disturbed by weekly parties and loud noise.
The City Council directed staff to provide additional updates to the ordinance that would include notification efforts to neighbors when an STR is registered in their neighborhood and to post information about STR’s including their locations on the City web site.