GALVESTON — The Galveston City Council is scheduled to vote Thursday on a proposal that would change regulations for short-term rental properties, city officials confirmed.
The proposal would allow a short-term rental host to lose their license if they receive three complaints within a year. Mayor Craig Brown said the ordinance aims to balance the interests of property owners and residents, citing concerns such as noise, parking, and trash violations. The city currently has approximately 4,400 short-term rental properties.
Donna Hansen, a local homeowner who operates two short-term rentals, expressed concern that the changes could affect her retirement income. Hansen said she has complied with existing city rules and emphasized that responsible hosts could be unfairly penalized under the new regulations.
The ordinance includes an appeals process, according to Brown, and the city’s legal department has reviewed the proposal to ensure it can be upheld in court. If the council approves the measure, enforcement could begin early next year.