Grapevine

In 2018, STRs in Grapevine numbered over 190 and were growing 60% annually, 75% were full home, not owner occupied. Since Grapevine is a tourist destination, forecasts put the likely number at 1000 within 4-5 years. Brought together by the nightmare of STRs for a neighbor, Grapevine residents across the city formed a coalition and began working with city officials to keep our neighborhoods a safe place for homes, and not hotels. In September 2018, Grapevine updated and clarified a preexisting ordinance to make it abundantly clear that STRs were not, and had never been, allowed in Grapevine. See Grapevine 2018 Revised STR ordinance.

A group of STR operators, most of whom live outside Grapevine, sued the city and the trial court judge issued an injunction blocking the city from enforcing the new ordinance on STRs that were operating before the new ordinance was adopted. On 5 Aug 2021 (updated on 23 Dec 2021), the Court of Appeals in Ft Worth kept that injunction in place.

While this decision was disappointing, the Court provided insights on how ongoing STR issues can be addressed. Additionally, Grapevine city leaders have communicated that the city “remains committed to its fight to protect its residents from the harmful impacts of STRs. … The Mayor and City Council firmly stand behind their pledge to protect our neighborhoods from STRs and the damage they inflict on our residents. … The City will fight this through to the end.”

While legal efforts are still underway, the city is enforcing the 2018 ordinance and no new STRs are allowed to operate in the city. If you suspect a home or apartment near you is being illegally rented as an STR, alert the city and they will track it down.

Communique regarding Grapevine court case (2022)

Grapevine News