In a nutshell
The city of Georgetown is considering the implementation of a short-term rental registration program, joining other neighboring cities in the area.
The purpose of the program is to regulate short-term rentals within city limits to preserve the character of Georgetown neighborhoods and ensure that owners and operators are following city, state and federal law as well as meeting minimum health and safety standards, according to city documents.
Georgetown had 264 short-term rentals as of Jan. 23, up from 124 in 2021, and only a few of those are paying hotel occupancy taxes, according to city documents.
The details
Permits for short-term rentals in Georgetown city limits will be administered by Downtown & Tourism, and applications will be submitted via a Granicus—a civic engagement platform that connects governments with the public sector—portal, according to city documents.
Application requirements will include:
- Contact information for owner, operator and 24/7 local contact
- Statement acknowledging city ordinances
- HOT payment
- Good Neighbor brochure
- $100 application fee
- Neighborhood notice within 200 feet of short-term rental
- Advertising platforms used for listing
Only one address per short-term rental will be allowed, unless an exception is requested, and the permits will be nontransferable if ownership changes, according to city documents.
Permits will also be evaluated annually by the Downtown & Tourism Director for a renewal fee of $50.
What’s next?
Georgetown City Council will decide on the passage of the ordinance at an upcoming meeting.
