With direction from council to research short-term rental policies for the city, the planning and zoning commission hashed out details for a study on Feb. 27.

Kyle currently does not allow short-term rentals in areas zoned for single-family homes. However as Commissioner Jo Fenety pointed out, the city is aware that people are renting their homes on a short-term basis regardless of the rules, especially after the city has received several complaints about the issue.

During the meeting, each commissioner presented the research they had done of other cities’ short-term rental policies—such as those of New Braunfels, Austin and San Antonio—as well as state and case laws on the issue and feedback they had received from the community.

Meeting highlights included a discussion on receiving hotel occupancy tax revenue from short-term rentals. The city of Kyle currently receives no tax revenue from short-term rentals, whereas the city receives 1 percent of the 7 percent of taxes charged to Kyle hotels annually. The other 6 percent of hotel occupancy tax goes to the state.

Commissioners also discussed a proposed length of stay for short-term rental guests. The cities of New Braunfels, Austin and San Antonio limits it to 30 days or less.

In the upcoming weeks, Kyle residents will receive a survey online asking for their thoughts on short-term rentals.

By May the commission will submit its findings and recommendations to City Council.