Short-term rental surge prompts rules From the cover
The specics
The overview
Vivianna Andres, assistant to the city manager, said the ordinance seeks to balance regulation, growth and the protection of Bastrop’s character. “Bastrop has a fantastic historical charm with an intimate, small-town feel,” Andres said. “We want to maintain community continuity by educating STR owners about our values so they can pass it on to their guests.” Andres said that in addition to creating a data- base with the city, the policy will also ensure STR properties comply with regulations such as noise restrictions and safety precautions. Bram Gallagher, director of economics and forecasting at AirDNA, which analyzes STR data, said STRs in Bastrop have increased over the years and are not projected to slow down. Gallagher also noted the registration fee in Bas- trop is more aordable than some other locations. “Austin has a proposed $800 registration fee,” council member Cynthia Meyer said during a Feb. 12 meeting. “Twenty-ve dollars is much more
Bastrop STR property types Entire home: 86.45% Private room: 11.18% Shared room: 1.29% Condo: 1.07%
Bastrop short-term rental, or STR, owners and guests can expect changes following the Bastrop City Council’s implementation of the city’s rst-ever registration mandate Feb. 25. The regulations include annual registration with the city; verication of up-to-date hotel occupancy tax, or HOT, funds; and meeting safety standards. Dani and Gary Moss, who own an STR in Bastrop, said they support the policy and were registered with the city before the mandate took e ect. A oor plan with evacuation routes A designated 24/7 local emergency contact The name and website link for reservations Completed application and $25 annual registration fee The number of bedrooms, proposed number of occupants and number of o-street parking spaces Veri cation that the owner has no delinquent hotel occupancy taxes for the current year Registration requirements Short-term rental owners in Bastrop must submit the following to register.
SOURCE: AIRBTICS COMMUNITY IMPACT
friendly to everyone.” During the meeting, City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino said the regulations are more of a registration process. “We just want to know who’s here, who’s in our midst, who may need help,” Carrillo-Trevino said. “We are asking, ‘Are you registered, and are you paying your HOT taxes?’”
Bastrop short-term rental units
2,223
2,500
1,928
2,000
1,438
+160.6% since 2019
1,500
950
853
805
1,000
500
SOURCE: CITY OF BASTROPCOMMUNITY IMPACT
0
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
SOURCE: AIRDNACOMMUNITY IMPACT
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