The deadline for owners to register short-term rental properties in Plano is approaching on Thursday, August 1.
Director of neighborhood services Curtis Howard and director of planning Christina Day discussed new rules regarding short-term rentals and also reminded owners of STRs to register their properties in a recent episode of the Inside Plano podcast.
Short term rentals (STRs) are furnished single-family homes or apartments available to rent for less than 30 consecutive days. Typically, they are thought of as a hotel substitute.
When Planoites came to the City Council with complaints about STRs in their neighborhood, council members heard from constituents and committees before voting in April to approve a ban on most new STRs in the city. New STRs are not permitted in single-family areas as of April 22, 2024; however, properties that already exist and were in operation prior to the temporary prohibition will be permitted to remain.
All owners and operators of STRs must register their properties with the city in order to abide by the new legislation and prevent penalties. The registration process includes filling out an application, paying a $300 charge, which is lowered to $100 through compliance and educational incentives, and giving responsible parties’ contact information. Ensuring that STR owners and operators behave as decent neighbors and make constructive contributions to the community is the aim, the City says.
“We aim to provide clear guidance and support for STR owners and operators while addressing the concerns of our residents,” Day said on the podcast.
The ordinance will include strict enforcement measures. Citizens can report short-term rentals (STRs) to the police, neighborhood services, or a hotline run by Deckard, the city’s contractor. Neighborhood services will handle and resolve these concerns. While the city doesn’t enforce private regulations, homeowners associations (HOAs) can set limits on STRs in their neighborhoods. STRs must register and pay an occupancy tax, similar to hotels, which helps the government control the sector and generate revenue.
“Our enforcement approach will focus on resolving issues efficiently and ensuring that STRs do not negatively impact our neighborhoods,” Howard said on the podcast.
Details regarding STRs can be found on the city’s website.