Short-Term Rentals

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)(PDF, 562KB), 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 and Requirements

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.

 

Regulations

Short-term rental regulations must be enforced and listed on the host rules. Failure to do so will lead to a violation.

  1. Maximum Occupancy; 2 per bedroom + 2, limited to 12
  2. Parking: limited to the number of available off-street spaces
  3. 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.
  4. Noise restrictions; no amplified sound between 10 pm and 9 am
  5. Outside congregation restrictions: between 10 pm and 9 am
  6. Trash placement on curb: after 7 pm the evening prior to scheduled pickup
  7. Premises not to be used as Banquet Hall

STR operators can apply online for a permit at ArlingtonPermits.com.

If you are unable to complete an online application, or have questions about the permitting process, please email the Senior Planner, Cecelia Nelson at planningdevelopment@arlingtontx.gov, 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 the Host Compliance website.

FAQs

Documents

Adopted Ordinances