DALLAS — A judge has blocked the city of Dallas from enforcing a new ordinance that would ban more than 90% of short-term rentals or STRs like Airbnb and Vrbo in areas with single-family zoning.
Dallas City Council voted 8-7 in June to approve the new ordinance, which aimed to enforce the new regulations starting Dec. 13. The Dallas Short Term Rental Alliance (DSTRA) sued the city on Oct. 2 arguing the new regulations were unconstitutional and alleged other violations, including that they illegally discriminate against STR owners and operators.
The ordinance was passed in response to complaints from homeowners that some STRs were linked to gun violence, trash and other quality of life concerns.
District Court Judge Monica Purdy signed a temporary injunction on Wednesday saying the DSTRA had proven that they would likely prevail on their assertions that the new city regulations are unconstitutional.
“Unless the city is enjoined from enforcing the STR ordinances, there is a substantial risk of probable, imminent and irreparable injuries to plaintiffs because plaintiffs, and the vast majority of other STR owners in Dallas, will immediately lose the ability to lease their property for less than 30 days,” Purdy’s order said.
The temporary injunction issued by Purdy means the city cannot enforce the ordinance until June 2024, when the trial date is set. However, the City of Dallas can appeal the ruling to a higher court.
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