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.

Short-term rentals existing prior to the August 1, 2019 effective date are not "grandfathered". All the requirements for permitting, location and rules of operation apply to both new and existing STRs. 

An STR permit is both owner and location specific. The permit is non-transferable and non-assignable. 

For more information on how to apply for an STR, please click here.

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

Apartments: An apartment may be used as an STR if the landlord agrees, and it meets all other requirements of City ordinances. If the proposed STR is part of a multi-family building, you will be required to provide documentation that the landlord consents to the use of the premises for a short-term rental.

Planned Development (PD) Zoning District: If the ordinance that established a PD allows for a housing density of 12 units per acre or greater, an STR could be permitted.

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 planningdevelopment@arlingtontx.gov, or call 817-459-6502, Ext. 5.

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.

Documents

Adopted Ordinances

Order of Revocation

A STR permit may be revoked for any of the following reasons if the permit holder:

  • Received more than two citations for violations of the short-term rental ordinances or any other ordinance of the City within the preceding 12-month time period; or
  • Failed or refused to comply with an express condition of the permit and remains in non-compliance ten (10) days after being notified in writing of the non-compliance; or
  • Knowingly made a false statement in the permit application; or
  • Otherwise becomes disqualified for issuance of a permit under terms of the STR ordinances.

An Order of Revocation takes effect three days after mailing. If you disagree with the reasons stated in the Order, you must act quickly to preserve your right to appeal. Within ten days, sign-in to your ArlingtonPermits.com account and follow the instructions for filing an appeal. You will be notified of a hearing date. At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present testimony or other evidence to demonstrate that the reasons given in the Order are incorrect. The hearing officer will either sustain, modify, or rescind the Order of Revocation. You may have further rights, which the hearing officer will explain at the time of the hearing.

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