Burleson, TX Short-Term Rentals: Repeat Violator Strikes (2026)

Section 14-582 of the Burleson Code of Ordinances, adopted with the short-term rental article by Ordinance No. 5092-05-2023 on May 1, 2023, lists four grounds for denying or revoking a permit: false or misleading information on the application, a failure to notify the city when required information changed, a failure to timely provide required information, and being found guilty in the municipal court of two or more violations of the city's code, this article, or any other city ordinance within the preceding twelve-month time period. The code prints no numbered strike system. The repeat-violation trigger is two guilty findings in twelve months, and the violations counted are not limited to short-term rental rules.

Before denying or revoking, the director must give the owner or operator a written warning that explains the deficiencies and sets a deadline to remedy them voluntarily. Notice of a denial or revocation is in writing, states the reasons, and is served by personal service or certified United States mail to the address on the application. It takes effect on the date of service if personally served, or three days from the date of mailing if mailed.

To contest, the applicant files a notice of appeal with the director within ten days following the effective date. With no appeal in ten days, the denial or revocation is sustained. The director forwards the appeal to the board office of the zoning board of adjustment within three business days, and the board holds a hearing no later than sixty days after the appeal is received and decides at the conclusion of the hearing. An appeal does not stay the denial or revocation unless the director directs otherwise.

The penalty that bites repeat violators is the lockout. If the director revokes a permit, no second or additional permit is issued for a short-term rental on the same premises for one year after the date of revocation. Under § 14-581(c), proof of a violation at a rental creates a rebuttable presumption that the owner committed it.