Consider/Discuss a Potential Short-Term Rental (STR) Registration Program

McKinney City Council is considering a Short-Term Rental (STR) Registration Program to address the growing number of STRs, which have increased from approximately 200 in September 2021 to 486 by March 2026. Currently, McKinney does not specifically regulate STRs in its zoning code, handling issues through general nuisance laws.

Key Details of the Proposed McKinney Program:

• Annual Registration: Owners would be required to register their STRs annually.
• No Fees: Unlike neighboring cities, the proposed program includes no registration fees.
• 24-Hour Contact: A designated 24-hour contact person would be required for each STR.
• Immediate Effective Date: The program is proposed to take effect immediately upon approval.

This "Registration Only" approach is considered the least involved option, aiming to identify STR owners and contacts for nuisance issues while minimizing legal challenges. This contrasts with cities like Allen, Frisco, and Plano, which impose annual fees (ranging from $200 to $350) and often include additional regulations such as occupancy limits, inspections (including self-inspections, noise, and video monitoring in Plano), and specific zoning restrictions. Texas case law indicates cities can require registration but face legal challenges when attempting citywide bans or owner-occupancy requirements.