Q. Are short term rentals permitted in residential zones as outlined on the the Highland Village map (SF-40, SF-10, SF-15, SF-12, SF-8) even though the Use Regulations specify that motels/hotels are prohibited in those areas?
A. Cities in Texas have no authority to exclude short-term rentals, (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.). State legislation and court rulings give cities very little room to even regulate short-term rentals. Cities can require them to register with the city and in some cases, pay hotel/motel tax, but there is no ability to exclude their use in a city.
Even so, a short-term rental must still meet city regulations as it relates to noise, parking and other nuisances. If you live near a short-term rental and experience any of these issues, we recommend you use the Eye on HV app (search GoRequest in your app store to download if you don't have it already), file an online police report at www.hvpd.com or call the Police Department (non-emergency number is 972-317-6551; in case of an emergency call 911).