🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Granite Shoals, TX
Granite Shoals Bans Private Fireworks, Puts Enforcement Duty on Short-Term Rental Hosts
From Sparkles to Signage: Granite Shoals Enlists STR Hosts in Fireworks Crackdown
Granite Shoals is rewriting the rules on fireworks, and short-term rental hosts are now key players in its enforcement strategy. On September 9, 2025, the City Council passed a new ordinance that bans all private fireworks displays—including those previously permitted on major holidays—and requires STR operators to warn guests about the prohibition. Violations can lead to misdemeanor charges and fines up to $1,000 per offense, placing a new level of accountability on property owners and managers.
The ordinance mandates that every short-term rental post a visible sign notifying guests that fireworks are not allowed within the city unless part of an authorized professional show. Hosts must also include the same information in guest instructions, whether in welcome binders, digital check-in messages, or rental agreements. The idea is to ensure that visitors can’t plead ignorance and that hosts become proactive partners in keeping neighborhoods calm and safe.
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City officials point to mounting community feedback as the spark for this policy change. Residents, particularly those in neighborhoods dense with vacation rentals, have been vocal about late-night fireworks disrupting their peace. Mayor Pro Tem Steve Hougen made it clear that noise, not safety hazards, was the leading concern. The Council’s unanimous vote reflects a collective desire to restore quiet to the city’s lakeside neighborhoods while still allowing professional shows for public enjoyment.
The measure went through the full public process, including Planning and Zoning Commission review and public notice before Council approval. However, unlike some new regulations, this one leaves no grace period. The ordinance is effective immediately, meaning STR owners must act quickly to comply. While the city has yet to release a standard sign template, the expectation is that signage be placed in obvious spots so guests cannot miss it.
For short-term rental hosts, the takeaway is straightforward but urgent. Post the signs. Update your guest communications. Make sure renters know the fireworks rules before they light a single sparkler. With steep penalties on the line, doing nothing is not an option. Beyond compliance, though, the new ordinance highlights a growing trend: local governments are increasingly looking to STR operators to help manage the social impacts of tourism, making them frontline ambassadors for community standards.
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