Woodgate Watch: Legislative Wins, Summer Events, and a Crime-Free Month

In last month’s WNA newsletter, I shared the news that Carrollton City Council had amended an ordinance, resulting in a one-year pause (with some exceptions) on new short-term rentals and Bed & Breakfasts. That move was largely influenced by the flurry of housing-related proposals coming out of the recent state legislative session—many of which, frankly, raised a few red flags for neighborhoods like ours here in Woodgate.

I’ve been closely following these proposals, and I wanted to give you a quick rundown on the ones that caught my attention and could’ve impacted our community:

1. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – (Senate Bill 673 / House Bill 1779)

These bills would have allowed smaller homes or cottages to be built behind existing houses on the same lot. While that might sound quaint, it could’ve led to real issues with overcrowding, utilities, and traffic. Thankfully, this proposal did not pass.

2. Mixed-Use & Multi-Family on Religious or Tax-Exempt Land – (HB 3172)

This one would’ve let certain properties sidestep zoning laws to develop multi-family housing. The bill stalled out—no vote, no law.

3. Airbnb Accountability – (HB 2767 / SB 1648)

These would have allowed platforms like Airbnb to continue collecting money from illegal STRs. Not surprisingly, many communities pushed back. We’re in the clear here—this one failed too.

4. “Frat House” Bill – (SB 1567 / HB 2797)

This one passed. It restricts city authority when it comes to limiting how many unrelated people can live together. It’s pitched as a fix for student housing but opens the door for STR-style investor activity, especially in mid-sized cities like ours. It’s headed to the Governor's desk.

5. Anti-Protest Bill – (HB 24)

This new law puts some limits on how neighborhoods can formally protest city rezoning decisions. Unfortunately, this one passed as well.

I know many of you reached out to our state representatives to express your concerns, and I want to say thank you. Our voices, along with many others across Texas, really did make a difference in halting several of these bills. While a few still made it through, even more were stopped in their tracks—and that’s because folks like you got involved.

I’ll continue to keep an eye on legislation that affects our neighborhood, and I’ll share updates when the Legislature reconvenes in two years—unless there’s a special session this summer. Fingers crossed we get a break!

In the meantime… did someone say, “Enjoy your summer?” Let’s do just that!

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July Events

Fireworks at Josey Ranch Lakes

1700 Keller Springs Rd

Wednesday, July 3rd – After sunset (~9:30PM)

15–20 minutes of fireworks fun!

Reminder from Carrollton Fire & Rescue: Discharging fireworks within city limits is illegal!

Independence Day Concert

Live performance by the New Horizon Band

Carrollton Senior Center – 1720 Keller Springs Rd

Wednesday, July 3rd – 11:00AM to 1:00PM

For more details on both events, check the City of Carrollton website.

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Crime Report: Nothing to Report!

That’s right—no reported crimes in Woodgate once again! The closest activity? Two theft reports down at the apartment complex near the 2700 block of Old Denton, just south of Cambridge Estates. Still, always a good idea to stay alert and keep an eye out for one another. You can always review the Community Crime Map for the latest information in our area. You can also find it linked right from the WoodgateNeighbors.com home page!

That’s all from me for now. Stay safe, stay cool, and stay classy, Woodgate!

Rick Wood

Woodgate Government Relations Liaison