Short-Term Rentals

• Map of Eligible and Issued Short-Term Rental (STR) Locations
• Check the zoning of your proposed STR

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.

• There is a cap of the total number of units within an apartment complex that can be permitted for STR use.

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. A "PD for RM-12" or a "PD for RMF-22" is also allowed STR use, unless it is specifically prohibited within that PD ordinance.

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.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are regulated by the City of Arlington through Ordinance 19-022. Prior to operation, the owner of an STR must have a valid permit from the City, and a City inspection will be performed once an application for a permit has been submitted. The following items will be used as a checklist during the performance of this inspection.

Life Safety

1. All exterior egress doors must be fully functioning. Locks that require a key or special knowledge to unlock from the inside are prohibited (such as a double cylinder deadbolt). Section R311.2, International Residential Code (IRC)
2. At least one window or exterior door from each bedroom must be operable for emergency escape and rescue purposes. The window opening shall be at least 5.0 sq. ft. on the ground floor and at least 5.7 sq. ft. on all other floors. Section R310, IRC
3. Smoke alarms are required in each bedroom, in the immediate vicinity outside of each bedroom, and on all habitable floors. Smoke alarms may be powered by the main electrical system or battery powered. Smoke alarms must not have exceeded manufacturer’s life expectancy. Section R314, IRC
4. If the STR contains gas appliances or has an attached garage, carbon monoxide alarms are required outside of each bedroom. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be powered by the main electrical system or battery powered. Section R315, IRC
5. A properly maintained and fully charged fire extinguisher (minimum 2A:10B:C) shall be provided in a readily visible location. Section 906, International Fire Code
6. If fire sprinklers are installed, they must be properly functioning and have been inspected and labeled within the past 12 months by an approved fire sprinkler contractor. Chapter 4, NFPA 25
7. All stairs and handrails (both exterior and interior) must be maintained, in good working order, and defect free. Section R311.7, IRC

Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing

1. The electrical panel shall be complete (no missing breakers, filler plates, or cover) and properly fused and labeled. The panel shall be readily visible and not concealed in any manner. A clear working space of 30” wide by 36” deep is required around the panel from the floor to a height of 6’-6”. Section E3405.2, IRC
2. No temporary wiring may be used (other than approved extension cords), all outlet covers shall be in place, and no electrical wiring may be exposed. Section E3909.1, IRC; Section E4002.13, IRC
3. Receptacles in bathrooms and kitchens shall be GFCI protected. Section E3902.1, IRC; E3902.6, IRC
4. The temperature & pressure relief valve on all water heaters shall discharge to the exterior of the building or other approved location. Section P2804.6.1, IRC
5. Water heaters shall not be located in any bedroom or bathroom. Section M2005.2, IRC
6. Every habitable room shall be provided with heating facilities capable of maintaining a temperature of at least 68° F. Space heaters are not allowed to be used to meet this requirement. Section R303.10, IRC

Operation

1. The property address must be posted in a location visible from the street with each number not less than 4” in height. Section R319, IRC
2. A floor plan indicating fire exits and escape routes must be posted in a visible location. Section 3.05, Ordinance 19-022
3. The name and contact information of the local responsible party who can be contacted at all times while occupants are on the premises shall be provided. Section 3.06, Ordinance 19-022
4. A copy of the host rules shall be displayed on site in a readily available location. At a minimum, host rules shall include:

• Restrictions on the number of occupants
• Limits on parking
• Trash pickup days and rules
• Prohibitions on special events
• Limits on amplified sound
• Curfew times (Section 3.20, Ordinance 19-022)

5. Property must be free of any outstanding property maintenance violations.