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A Compromise in San Antonio
San Antonio has become the latest Texas city to regulate short-term rentals (STRs). The city’s new regulations limit the number of STRs on a block, require owners to register with the city, and require owners to pay the city’s hotel occupancy test. Many opponents of STRs wanted a complete ban on the activity. While opponents…
An Open Letter to the Bellaire City Council
As the Bellaire City Council contemplates restricting or banning short-term rentals (STRs), it is important to consider the full context, as well as alternative policies. The concerns voiced about STRs by home owners—such as loud noise, trash, and similar disturbances—are legitimate complaints. Nobody wants to live next to a “party house.” Admittedly, there are some…
Why Theft may be Legalized in Seattle
For the past several months, public officials in Seattle have been considering an ordinance that would legalize theft, assault, and nearly one hundred other misdemeanors. While critics have argued that the law would invite a dramatic increase in crime, they are failing to address the fundamental issue—the premise that individuals have a right to a…
A Pyrrhic Victory for Property Rights?
Many are hailing the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Cedar Point Nursery v. Hassid as a victory for property rights. While the ruling is certainly worthy of celebration, there are aspects of the majority opinion that could turn this case into a Pyrrhic victory. The case centered on a California law that allows union organizers…
Protecting Us from Our Protectors
In the 2017 legislative session, the Texas House considered a bill that would severely limit the ability of local governments to impose historic designations on private property. Under current law, local authorities have broad discretion in designation historic landmarks and subjecting such properties to government control. As might be expected, preservationists were up in arms….