The City Council voted Monday to approve an ordinance that provides regulations for the operation of short-term rentals in Richardson. “Short-term rental” is defined in the ordinance as a dwelling where a person may reside and rent wholly or partly for a fee for a period of less than 30 consecutive days.
While some citizens have desired banning short-term rentals in Richardson, the Council found this was not legally feasible and instead have enacted several regulations that go beyond the existing codes and ordinances concerning rental properties.
Key highlights of the new ordinance include:
- Required registration by short-term rental owners
- Designation of a local responsible party that can be onsite within one hour to address property issues
- Guest notification of certain safety and other information including contact information for the local responsible party; City restrictions regarding noise, parking and trash; property evacuation information and emergency telephone numbers
- A registration revocation and appeals process
Violation of any terms or provisions of the ordinance shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $2,000 for each offense.
The City Council also approved a resolution establishing an annual short-term rental registration application fee of $75. The application process is expected to be available online by the end of the year; the new ordinance takes effect Jan. 1, 2023.
More information: Community Services, 972-744-4180
