RESIDENT’S GUIDE: Short-Term Rentals in West Tawakoni
A Summary of Rights, Standards, and Reporting Procedures
This guide is provided to help Indian Oaks homeowners understand the City of West Tawakoni's municipal standards for Short-Term Rentals (STRs) and how to ensure our neighborhood remains quiet, safe, and family-oriented.
1. What Every Resident Should Expect
Under City Ordinance No. 333, all STR owners are required to manage their properties to a standard that does not interfere with your "quiet enjoyment" of your home.
- Quiet Hours (10:00 PM – 7:00 AM): Noise must be kept to a minimum. If music, shouting, conversation or other noise is "plainly audible" at your property line during these hours, it is a violation.
- No Street Parking: All guest vehicles, including boat trailers, must be parked on the rental property's driveway. Parking on city streets or blocking neighbor driveways is prohibited.
- Trash Management: Trash must be kept in secured, lidded, animal-proof containers. Loose bags or litter blowing onto neighboring yards or into the lake is a code violation.
- Maximum Occupancy: Every rental has a legal limit on the number of guests allowed. Large "house parties" that exceed the permit capacity are not permitted.
2. Reporting a Violation
If a rental property is disturbing the neighborhood, follow these steps to ensure the issue is officially documented.
Step 1: Contact the Owner/Manager
Most owners are professional and will resolve guest issues immediately if they know there is a problem. Owners are required to post a 24/7 contact number on the property.
Step 2: Contact the City (Business Hours)
For issues like illegal parking, trash, or unpermitted rentals (M-F, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM):
- City Secretary’s Office: (903) 447-2285 (Ext. 5)
- Code Enforcement: (903) 447-2285 (Ext. 4)
Step 3: After-Hours Disturbances
For active noise complaints or safety concerns at night or on weekends:
- Non-Emergency Dispatch: (903) 457-0700 (Hunt County Dispatch for West Tawakoni PD)
- Life-Threatening Emergency: Call 911
3. The Importance of Documentation
The City can only take action against an owner's permit (including fines or revocation) if there is a record of violations.
- Log the Incident: Note the date, time, and nature of the disturbance.
- Visual Evidence: Take a photo of the parking violation or a video from your property line that captures the noise level.
- File a Formal Complaint: Follow up with City Hall the next business day to ensure your report was filed against the property’s STR permit record.
Provided as a service to the community. For the full text of Ordinance No. 333, please visit the City of West Tawakoni official website.