Short term rental regulation in Fort Worth

The city has restricted STRs in residential zoning districts.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Nextdoor
  • Email

Short term rentals are allowed in most mixed-use, form-based, commercial, and industrial districts.

Photo provided by the City of Fort Worth

On Tuesday, City Council upheld the current Zoning Ordinance regulation restricting short-term rentals (STRs) in residential zoning districts and requiring a zoning change for STR use.

What does this mean?

People who operate short-term rentals — like Airbnbs or Vrbos — in residential zones will need to obtain a registration ordinance, which will require an annual fee, payment of hotel occupancy taxes, property owner consent, and 24/7 local contact.

Why now?

The city contracted Deckard Technologies Inc. to identify STRs operating within city limits to protect residential neighborhoods from certain commercial encroachment, in addition to other community benefits . An August 2022 report revealed 68 legal STRs and 565 potentially illegal STR properties.

What’s next?

A draft of the registration ordinance will be presented to City Council in late January 2023. The Code Compliance department will enforce zoning violationsregardless of nuisance violations — on a complaint basis and will communicate with owners.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Nextdoor
  • Email
Kate is a Fort Worth native, having returned home after studying architecture and journalism in Alabama and New York. Her writing has appeared in interntional and national publications including Dezeen, Metropolis, Madame Architect, American Theatre, and Architectural Record. She is the co-author of “Dearest Babe, Letters from a World War II Flight Surgeon.”