New Ordinance Could Ban Homeowners from Renting Out Backyards for Parties

The El Paso City Council is set to discuss a proposed ordinance that could prevent homeowners from renting out parts of their property—such as backyards or pools—for entertainment purposes. This ordinance is distinct from earlier discussions about short-term rentals, which focus on homeowners renting their entire property for overnight stays.

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Instead, this new ordinance targets homeowners who rent out specific parts of their property for events like parties. This trend has grown, with people using platforms like Facebook Marketplace to advertise their pools or backyards for short-term party rentals.

A Different Approach from Short-Term Rentals

The president of the El Paso Short Term Rental Alliance, Heidy Seoenz, expressed support for the ordinance, noting that her organization collaborated with the city to create this proposal. According to Seoenz, the goal is to address the issues created when homeowners rent their properties for multiple parties throughout the day, often disrupting neighborhoods.

"This ordinance is for those who rent their homes like event venues, where parties are held morning, afternoon, and night without considering the impact on the neighborhood," Seoenz explained.

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She emphasized the difference between renting a home for a short-term stay—like through platforms such as Airbnb or VRBO—and using a property specifically for hosting events. "Short-term rentals are for overnight guests; this is about people renting out their space for parties," she added.

Mixed Reactions from Residents

Not everyone agrees with the proposed ordinance. Some El Paso residents question how effective such a law could be.

Corey Booker, a local homeowner, expressed skepticism: "I think it's ridiculous for anyone to tell me how many people I can have in my own house. It’s my property, and I don’t think this is enforceable."

Jordan Dorsey echoed a similar sentiment, saying, "They can pass it, but I don’t see how it’s going to make a difference in our neighborhoods."

The City Council will discuss the proposal during their next meeting on Tuesday.