Overview: STR Status in Texarkana, AR

Short-term rentals are currently allowed in Texarkana, Arkansas, but are operating in a regulatory gray area. As of April 22, 2025, the Texarkana Board of Directors voted to table a comprehensive ordinance that would have established formal regulations for short-term residential rentals such as Airbnb and Vrbo properties. This means that while STRs are not explicitly prohibited, they are also not formally regulated under city ordinance at this time.

The city had been working on implementing regulations in response to increasing issues with noise, parking, trash, and safety concerns related to the growing prevalence of STR businesses. However, the proposed ordinance was postponed pending further review and public input.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Texarkana, AR

Without formal city regulations currently in place, the process for establishing an STR in Texarkana is relatively straightforward:

1. Property Assessment: Ensure your property meets basic zoning requirements for residential use
2. Insurance: Obtain appropriate liability and property insurance coverage
3. Business Registration: Consider registering your STR business with state and local authorities
4. Tax Registration: Register for sales tax collection with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
5. Property Preparation: Ensure the property meets safety standards and local housing codes
6. Platform Registration: Register your property on STR platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.)

Important Note: Given the recent tabling of regulations, investors should monitor city meetings for updates on potential future regulations that could significantly impact operations.

Required Documents, Permits, and Guidelines

While no formal STR ordinance is currently active, investors should prepare for potential future requirements based on the proposed ordinance that was tabled:

Anticipated Required Documents (based on proposed ordinance):

• Owner Information: Name, contact details, and in the case of business entities, information about principals and managing members
• Local Contact Person: Designation of a 24/7 local contact who can respond within 60 minutes
• Property Documentation: Deed or ownership proof for the STR property
• Business Registration: If operating under a fictitious business name, registration of the business name
• Certificate of Occupancy: Current certificate demonstrating the property meets occupancy standards

Permits and Licensing (Proposed):

• STR Permit: $100 processing fee from the Texarkana Arkansas Planning Department
• Annual Renewal: Permit must be renewed annually
• Separate Registration: Required for each STR location under common ownership
• Transfer Requirements: New registration required if ownership changes

Safety and Compliance (Proposed):

• Annual Inspection: Required by the Code Enforcement Department
• Fire Safety: Compliance with fire codes and emergency exit requirements
• Health Standards: Adherence to residential housing health standards

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Current Status (as of April 2025):

Currently, no specific STR regulations are formally adopted in Texarkana, Arkansas. The city operates under existing zoning and housing codes for residential properties.

Proposed Regulations (tabled April 22, 2025):

Zoning and Land Use:

• Conditional Use: In R-1 Rural Residential, R-2 Single Family Residential, and R-3 Low Density Residential zones
• Permitted Use: In R-4 Medium Density Residential and A-1 Limited Mixed Use Rural zones
• Prohibited Uses: Recreational vehicles, manufactured homes, and temporary secondary residences may not be used as STRs

Occupancy and Use Restrictions:

• Maximum Occupancy: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional people for overnight lodging
• Daytime Occupancy: Maximum authorized overnight occupants plus 50% during non-overnight hours
• Use Restrictions: STRs intended solely for sleeping/transient living; parties, social events, weddings, reunions, and commercial events prohibited

Operational Requirements:

• Local Contact: 24/7 availability with 60-minute response time required
• No Owner Quarters: Properties cannot contain owner or manager living spaces
• Parking: 1.5 off-street parking spaces required per rentable unit
• Signage: No outdoor signs permitted

Compliance Requirements:

• Solid Waste: Must comply with Chapter 22 – Solid Waste of city code
• Noise: Must comply with Article IV – Noise of city code
• Information Posting: Required inside the unit: owner/contact info, emergency exits, Certificate of Occupancy, emergency numbers

Density Limits:

• Maximum Allowable: 2% of total single-family homes within city limits

State-Level Regulations (Arkansas):

Business and Tax Requirements:

• Sales Tax: Arkansas imposes state sales tax (6.5%) on short-term rental accommodations
• Local Hotel/Motel Tax: Additional local hotel/motel taxes may apply
• Business Registration: Operating an STR typically requires registering the business with the Arkansas Secretary of State
• Income Tax: STR income is subject to federal and Arkansas income tax

Health and Safety:

• Property Standards: Must comply with Arkansas minimum property standards for residential rental housing
• Fire Safety: Properties must meet fire safety codes applicable to residential structures

Contact Information

City of Texarkana, Arkansas - Current Contacts:

Planning Department

• Address: 220 Texas Boulevard, Texarkana, AR 71854
• Phone: (870) 779-4971
• Website: www.texarkanagazette.com (for city meeting agendas and updates)

Code Enforcement Department

• Phone: (870) 779-4971
• Responsibilities: Property inspections and code compliance

City Clerk's Office

• Phone: (870) 779-4971
• For: Appeals processes and permit applications

Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration

• Phone: (501) 682-1000
• Website: www.dfa.arkansas.gov
• For: State tax registration and reporting

Important Note on Contacts:

Given the current regulatory uncertainty, investors should regularly check city meeting agendas and contact the Planning Department directly for the most current information on STR regulations and requirements.

Source Links

1. Texarkana Arkansas Board of Directors hears from public on proposed short-term rental regulations (April 8, 2025)

2. Proposed STR Ordinance - Detailed Regulations PDF

3. Board of Directors Agenda - STR Ordinance Discussion (March 17, 2025)

4. Texarkana Arkansas Board of Directors tables short-term rental regulation ordinance (April 22, 2025)

5. Arkansas cities look at rules to cover short-term rental properties (May 10, 2021)

Disclaimer: This guide is based on publicly available information as of April 2025. The regulatory landscape for short-term rentals in Texarkana, Arkansas is evolving rapidly. Investors should monitor city council meetings and contact local authorities for the most current information before making investment decisions. The proposed ordinance referenced in this guide was tabled and may be revised or adopted in different form at future city meetings.