🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Texarkana, AR

A Deep Dive into Your Area’s STR Updates—Helping You Navigate the Ever-Changing Rental Landscape.

Short-Term Rentals Under Review: Regulation Talks Postponed Until April 21

The city’s discussion on short-term rentals took another twist as the Board of Directors decided to delay a final vote on a hotly debated ordinance until their next meeting on April 21.

The proposed ordinance—now on its second of three readings—aims to regulate STRs like those listed on Airbnb and Vrbo. It would apply to non-owner-occupied homes rented out for 30 days or less, excluding bed and breakfasts.

Key parts of the proposal include:

• STRs limited to single-family homes only.
• Use strictly for lodging—not parties or events.
• Strict occupancy limits: two people per bedroom, plus two.
• Mandatory annual registration and listing of a local contact.
• Enforcement of existing rules around noise, trash, and parking.
• A 2% citywide cap on STRs in single-family homes.

Residents had strong opinions during public comment. Local STR owner Tim Johnson urged caution, warning against overregulation.

“There need to be some rules, but enforcing what we already have would fix a lot. Call the police if there’s noise.”

On the flip side, resident Linda Robertson advocated for the ordinance.

"I'm not against short-term rentals. I think that there's a place for them, and I don't mind them being in any neighborhood where it is monitored and regulated, just like it is in numerous cities in Arkansas. The ordinance y'all have, I think is really a nice ordinance. I don't think it imposes too many restrictions on anybody. I think it helps us know what's in our city.”

Existing STR operators would have a full year to meet the new requirements if the ordinance passes.

With the final reading pushed to April 21, now’s the time for stakeholders to get involved.

To watch City Board Meetings, visit Texarkana's YT channel:

Texarkana City Hall

City of Texarkana Arkansas

YouTube