A “short-term rental” (STR) refers to any residential structure, or a portion thereof, used for lodging accommodations to occupants for a period of less than 30 consecutive days. It does not include a ‘bed and breakfast’ as defined in the Unified Development Code.
On 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. Ordinance No. 19-022 created Regulations for conducting STRs and established Permit Application Requirements.
Eligible Locations
New or existing residential structures in the following zoning districts are eligible for STR use:
- All zoning districts within the established Short Term Rental Zone (STR 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 Road.;
- Short Term Rental Zoning Districts on Esri map. There are two types of zoning districts:
- 'Residential, Medium Density' (RM-12) Zoning District;
- 'Residential, Multi-family' (RMF-22) Zoning District;
Existing residential structures in the following zoning districts are eligible for STR use:
- All non-residential zoning districts; and
- All mixed-use zoning Districts
Permit Information
- Owner information
- Operator (designated local responsible party) information, if any
- HOA information, if any
- Permit must be renewed annually
- Non-refundable fee of $500 per year
- Non-transferable
- One per site or address
- Permit to be posted at a conspicuous location inside from entrance
- Host rules must be provided to STR guests
Permit Requirements
- City Registration Account # for Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) remittance
- Plot Plan identifying parking spaces to be used for STR
- Dimensioned floor plan identifying bedrooms, living spaces, emergency evacuation routes
- Proof of Insurance coverage (min $1.0 million per occurrence)
- Proposed host rules
- STR Authorization - this authorization is required if the applicant does not own the property. The template for this authorization can be found under 'Documents' at the bottom of this page.
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 annually.
Regulations
Short-term rental regulations must be enforced and listed on the host rules. Failure to do so will lead to a violation.
- Maximum Occupancy; 2 per bedroom + 2, limited to 12
- Parking: limited to the number of available off-street spaces
- The physical conversion of the premises to add bedrooms for a short term rental is prohibited. Doing so can lead to a decrease in the maximum occupancy.
- Noise restrictions; no amplified sound between 10 pm and 9 am
- Outside congregation restrictions: between 10 pm and 9 am
- Trash placement on curb: after 7 pm the evening prior to scheduled pickup
- Premises not to be used as Banquet Hall
The City of Arlington has developed an online application that will make it easy for STR operators to apply for a permit. It is available beginning August 1, 2019 at ArlingtonPermits.com.
This page will be updated frequently with more information about short-term rentals. Please check back often.
If you are unable to complete an online application, or have questions about the permitting process, please email the Senior Planner, Cecelia Nelson at [email protected], or call 817-459-6514.
Complaint about an STR
For complaints about the operation of any existing STR, the STR hotline is available 24/7 by telephone at 817-775-5626 or online at https://safe.hostcompliance.com/arlington-tx/tips/type.
Documents