The public is invited to learn about and discuss the proposed ordinance for short-term rental properties in the city of Bastrop at an upcoming town hall.

Two-minute impact

A town hall presentation and discussion will happen Jan. 22 at Bastrop City Hall, 1311 Chestnut St., at 6 p.m.

Those interested in learning more and discussing the proposed changes with officials are invited to attend.

“The proposed ordinance would require short-term rental owners to register their property with the city,” officials said in a social media post. “A database of short-term rental properties provides benefits and safety for owners, operators, and guests to Bastrop.”

The details

Per the proposed ordinance, each short-term rental property must be registered with the city, for a $25 per-unit, annual fee.

Guests of each short-term rental must also be provided:

• A designated 24/7 local emergency contact
• A parking plan
• A floor plan with evacuation routes
• A summary of local regulations related to noise, parking, water conservation and emergencies

The goal of the proposed ordinance is to ensure that all short-term rental properties within the city are following local, state and federal laws, while also preserving the quality of life and character of Bastrop neighborhoods, according to the ordinance.

Learn more

Per the ordinance, a short-term rental is defined as any residential structure, including a single-family home, an accessory dwelling structure, or a unit in an apartment or condominium building, or any portion thereof, used for lodging accommodations to occupants for a period of less than 30 consecutive days.

Short-term rentals do not include hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, executive suites, or other nonresidential uses. Properties rented for longer than 30 days that are still advertised as available on a nightly basis fall into this category, the ordinance reads.

Those in violation can be penalized $25 per day until the property is deemed in compliance.

Click on the pin below for more details about the short-term rental town hall.



One more thing

Two other town halls are set for Jan. 23 and Jan. 29 to discuss the upcoming changes to the city’s Comprehensive Plan.

Those wanting to participate can attend either of the following events:

Town Hall No. 1

• Jan. 23, 6-8 p.m.
• Casa Chapala, 1800 Walnut St., Bastrop

Town Hall No. 2

• Jan. 29, 6-8 p.m.
• Bastrop Public Library, 1100 Church St., Bastrop

No sign-up is required prior to the events. Those unable to attend, or with additional questions, can contact Bastrop’s development director, James E. Cowey, by phone at 512-332-8842 or email at [email protected].

Click on the pins below for more details about the Comprehensive Plan town halls.