Council approves short-term rental fees

AUSTIN (KXAN) - People who want to put their homes on the short-term rental market in Austin will have to register with the city and pay fees under plan approved Thursday by the City Council.

The plan as adopted lowers to short-term notification fee to $50 from $241. The $235 registration fee remains the same. The vote was 5-2 for with Councilwomen Laura Morrison and Kathie Tovo opposing the measure.

Supporters of the ordinance, including Austin-based vacation rental website HomeAway , say the tax revenue generated will help the city. Cash-strapped Austin homeowners would have an opportunity to make money by renting their property for short periods of time.

However, opponents insist the entire home rental concept is fundamentally flawed and is a direct threat to neighborhood schools in Central Austin. Some also have complained that short-term renters who are not associated with the neighborhood hold loud late-night parties and cause parking headaches in the area.

City Council also approved an ordinance that would allow temporary vehicle-for-hire permits for limousines, charter services, shuttles and airport shuttles during special events. The temporary permits will assist in accommodating an increase in transportation demands during large-scale occasions.

Out-of-town transportation providers must seek sponsorship from currently permitted local providers to obtain a permit.

Other agenda actions by City Council

 7.  Change the name of Arena Drive to Shore District Drive (pulled by Kathie Tovo for discussion)

11. $5+million for East Fifth Street improvements -- APPROVED

13. Agreement with construction company for $6.3M ABIA terminal project -- APPROVED

15. Agreement for an extra $200,000 for new central library (same construction company as airport) -- APPROVED

17. Construction of new ABIA employee parking lot. $7.6M (pulled by Chris Riley for discussion)

33. Develop two-year public awareness plan on regulation of single-use carryout bags. Hire PR company. (Pulled for discussion.)

41. Hire tree trimming services for $3.6M. This work has always been handled by contractors, but different departments (i.e. parks, building services, etc.) handled their contracts separately. This item pulls that work into one larger contract and awards it out. -- APPROVED

43. Players restaurant wants the concession business for Morris Williams golf course -- APPROVED