DALLAS — A judge has blocked the city of Dallas from implementing a new ordinance that would ban more than 90 percent of short-term rentals and STRs like Airbnb and Vrbo in single-family residential zoning.
In June, the Dallas City Council voted 8-7 to approve a new ordinance that would put the new regulations into effect starting Dec. 13. The Dallas Short-Term Rental Alliance (DSTRA) on October 2nd alleged that the new regulations are unconstitutional and that they unlawfully discriminate against STR owners and operators, among other violations.
The ordinance was passed in response to complaints from homeowners that some STRs are associated with gun violence, trash and other quality of life issues.
District Court Judge Monica Purdy signed a preliminary injunction Wednesday, finding that DSTRA's argument that the city's new ordinance is unconstitutional is likely to succeed.
“Unless the City is enjoined from enforcing the STR ordinance, Plaintiffs and the majority of other STR owners in Dallas will immediately lose the ability to lease their properties, thereby increasing the likelihood that Plaintiffs will suffer imminent and irreparable harm.” “There is a substantial risk that there is a high risk of… within 30 days,'' Purdy's order said.
The temporary restraining order issued by the city of Purdy means the city cannot enforce the ordinance until a court date is set in June 2024. However, the City of Dallas can appeal this decision to a higher court.
