Rowlett tightens short-term rental rules with 1,000-foot separation, signage and higher insurance

Staff presented amendments to the short-term rental ordinance that include a 1,000-foot separation requirement between STRs (with an exception for the Bayside/Sapphire Bay form-based district), an owner-occupied definition, an exterior sign requirement for non-owner-occupied STRs, increased liability insurance (from $1 million to $2 million), and enhanced grounds for suspension or revocation tied to serious incidents and investigations.

Council discussed program administration costs and the $2,000 fee; staff said specialized software and inspections justify program costs. Staff reported 43 STRs on the registry at last run. After questions and clarifications, council voted unanimously to adopt the amendments as presented.