EL PASO, Texas – (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 El Paso is advancing towards establishing an ordinance to regulate and define short-term rentals, such as Airbnb and VRBO properties. <\/p>\n
The proposed ordinance, which is set for a vote today, aims to give short-term rentals their own definition in the city code, distinguishing them from bed-and-breakfast lodging. <\/p>\n
This move could pave the way for future regulations.<\/p>\n
RELATED: El Paso moves to define short-term rentals, aiming to resolve homeowner concerns<\/a><\/p>\n Heidy Seoenz, president of the El Paso Short Term Rental Alliance, emphasized the importance of recognizing short-term rentals in the city. <\/p>\n “Short term rentals have been active for quite some time now, and really, what’s affecting is just a peace of mind for the city to have it retain in the book, and saying that short term rentals exist in El Paso,” she said.<\/p>\n Currently, short-term rentals are not specifically defined under city code, leading to concerns from residents about noise, trash, and parties. <\/p>\n However, Seoenz noted that most complaints were not linked to legitimate rentals. <\/p>\n “The short term rental community does not have issues with safety. And it wouldn’t be fair to punish, in a way, the good neighbors and the good host for those couple of bad actors,” she said.<\/p>\n The public hearing and vote are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at City Hall.<\/p>\n RELATED: El Paso considers new ordinance for short-term rentals<\/a><\/p>\n