El Paso City Council votes unanimously to draft ordinance on use of residential properties as entertainment venues

Update: El Paso City Council voted unanimously to "direct the City Manager and City Attorney to draft an ordinance that prohibits the use of residential properties as entertainment venues," as Item 21 on today's meeting agenda reads.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Art Fierro, El Paso City Council Representative for District 6, opened the discussion addressing complaints from residents about homes in quiet neighborhoods being used as large-scale event venues.

Other city representatives also acknowledged that residents in their districts have raised concerns.

Fierro said some of the complaints he heard from constituents include noise ordinance violations, underage drinking, excess traffic in neighborhoods, double parking and safety concerns.

"This is a really important item that needs to be brought forward," Mayor Oscar Leeser said during the meeting. "It's not being confused with short-term rentals. This is people that are abusing the system, people that are abusing the neighborhoods."

As of 11:40 a.m., El Paso City Council is hearing public comment on the agenda item.

ABC-7 will keep you updated on-air and online as we learn more information.