Arlington Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are Short Term Rental (Airbnb, VRBO) Regulations in Arlington, Texas?

The regulations for short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO) in Arlington, Texas, are governed by the city's zoning code, planning code, and ordinances. The regulations affect any residential structure or portion thereof used for lodging accommodations to occupants for a period of less than 30 consecutive days2. As of April 23, 2019, the Arlington City Council adopted two ordinances that allow short-term rentals, with conditions.

Ordinance No. 19-014 designated eligible locations for STRs within the city, while Ordinance No. 19-022 created regulations for conducting STRs and established permit application requirements2. New or existing residential structures in certain zoning districts are eligible for STR use. If all location and documentary requirements are met, the city will conduct a physical inspection of the STR for compliance with basic life-safety. Permits will be valid for one year and must be renewed annually2.

The City of Arlington has developed an online application that will make it easy for STR operators. It is available beginning August 1, 2019, at ArlingtonPermits.com. The required documents for the application include a site plan, floor plan, and proof of insurance2. Arlington imposes a 7% hotel occupancy tax on short-term rentals2.

Despite the ban on most short-term rentals across the city, except in the area surrounding the Entertainment District, some hosts operate in Arlington, and the city has issued short-term rental permits since August 20192.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Arlington

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in ArlingtonArlington, Texas, has recently implemented new regulations on short-term rentals (STRs), which have been a topic of debate for months. As of August 1, 2019, property owners who want to operate a short-term rental in the City of Arlington are required to apply for a permit12. The new ordinance establishes an annual permitting process, sets operating guidelines, and designates specific zoning districts where short-term rentals will be allowed to operate1.

Eligible Locations for Short-Term RentalsShort-term rentals with a city permit will be allowed to operate in the following locations:

• The established Short-Term Rental Zone, which is anchored by the Entertainment District and extends approximately one mile from its center. The zone is bounded on the north by East Lamar Boulevard, on the west by Center Street, on the south by East Abram Street and on the east by the Southbound State Highway 360 Frontage Road1.
• In Residential Medium Density (RM-12) and Residential Multi-Family (RMF-22) Districts1.

In all non-residential and mixed-use districts at single-family structures that exist as of Aug. 1, 20191.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Arlington

The short-term rental licensing requirement in Arlington mandates that property owners who wish to operate a short-term rental in the city must apply for a permit2. This permit application process is crucial for compliance with the city's regulations on short-term rentals, which were established through ordinances passed by the Arlington City Council on April 23, 20191. The permit application will be available on the City of Arlington Planning and Development site starting August 1, 20192.

Additionally, the required documents for the application include a site plan, floor plan, and proof of insurance1. This permitting process aims to ensure that short-term rentals in Arlington adhere to specific guidelines and operate within designated zoning districts approved by the city council2.

Required Documents for Arlington Short Term Rentals

To operate a short-term rental in Arlington, Texas, property owners must adhere to specific requirements and provide certain documents as part of the permitting process. The following are the essential documents required for a short-term rental permit in Arlington:

• Proof of Residency: The applicant must provide proof of residency, demonstrating that the short-term rental property is their primary residence.
• Detailed Safety Inspection: A comprehensive safety inspection of the property is necessary to ensure compliance with local building and health codes. This inspection includes checking for properly functioning smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, and fire sprinklers (if applicable).
• Floor Plan: A detailed floor plan indicating the areas to be used for rentals and fire exits must be provided. This plan should also include escape routes and be posted in a visible location within the rental property.
• Site Plan: A plot plan identifying parking spaces to be used for short-term rentals is required.
• Proof of Insurance: Property owners must provide proof of insurance for the short-term rental property.
• Host Rules: A copy of the host rules, including restrictions on the number of occupants, limits on parking, trash pickup days and rules, prohibitions on special events, limits on amplified sound, and curfew times, must be displayed on site in a readily available location.
• Contact Information: The name and contact information of the local responsible party who can be contacted at all times while occupants are on the premises must be provided.
• Property Maintenance Compliance: The property must be free of any outstanding property maintenance violations.

Arlington has developed an online application for short-term rental permits, which will be available on the City of Arlington Planning and Development site starting August 1, 2019. The required documents must be submitted with the application, and failure to provide any required documentation can result in application delays or denials. The short-term rental permit fee is currently proposed at $500 a year.

Arlington Short Term Rental Taxes

Arlington imposes a 7% hotel occupancy tax on short-term rentals1. The state of Texas does not have any statewide regulations for short-term rentals, but some cities in Texas, including Arlington, have implemented their own regulations1.

Arlington Wide Short Term Rental Rules

Arlington has a ban on most short-term rentals across the city, except in the area surrounding the Entertainment District. Despite the ban, some hosts operate in Arlington, and the city has issued short-term rental permits since August 20191.

Does Arlington Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Arlington does enforce short-term rental rules. The city has banned most short-term rentals across the city, except in the area surrounding the Entertainment District4.

The Second District Court of Appeals dismissed claims from several Arlington homeowners that the ban violated state law or the rights of tenants4. Despite the ban, some hosts operate in Arlington, and the city has issued short-term rental permits since August 20191.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Arlington

• Check if your property is eligible for STR use.
• Apply for a permit at ArlingtonPermits.com.
• Submit the required documents, including a site plan, floor plan, and proof of insurance.
• Pass a physical inspection for compliance with basic life-safety.
• Renew your permit annually1.

Who to Contact in Arlington about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

For questions about the permitting process or to complete an application, contact the Planning Technician, Cecelia Nelson, at [email protected], or call 817-459-65141.

What do Airbnb Hosts in Arlington on Reddit and Bigger Pockets Think about Local Regulations?

Arlington's regulations on short-term rentals differ from those in other cities in Texas. While Arlington has implemented new regulations that require permits for short-term rentals and restrict them to specific zoning districts, some cities like Dallas have yet to take similar actions on stricter regulations24.

Additionally, cities like Hurst, Highland Park, and Southlake have banned short-term rentals altogether5.

This variation in regulations highlights the diverse approaches different cities in Texas are taking to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the growing short-term rental industry.