Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Cisco, TX?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Cisco, Texas. The City of Cisco has established a dedicated Short-Term Rental Ordinance to govern the operation of STRs within municipal boundaries. This regulatory framework demonstrates the city's recognition of STRs as a legitimate business activity while ensuring proper oversight and compliance with local standards.

Cisco operates under a permit-based system for short-term rentals, requiring property owners to obtain proper authorization before operating. The city has integrated STR regulations into its broader planning and zoning framework, treating STRs as a specific land use category subject to municipal oversight.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Cisco, Texas

Step 1: Understand Municipal Requirements

Begin by reviewing Cisco's Short-Term Rental Ordinance and zoning requirements. The ordinance is available through the city's Planning, Zoning & Permitting department and establishes the foundational requirements for legal STR operation.

Step 2: Register with State Authorities

Before applying for local permits, ensure compliance with Texas state requirements:

• Register with the Texas Comptroller's Office to obtain authorization for state hotel occupancy tax collection
• The statewide hotel occupancy tax rate is 6% for stays fewer than 29 consecutive days
• File monthly or quarterly tax returns as required by state law

Step 3: Obtain Local Permits and Licenses

Submit applications through Cisco's Planning, Zoning & Permitting department. The city maintains specific application processes for various permit types including:

• Short-term rental permits
• Building permits (if property modifications are needed)
• Any additional permits required under local ordinances

Step 4: Ensure Zoning Compliance

Verify that your property is located in a zoning district that permits short-term rentals. Cisco's zoning ordinance and Schedule of Uses Table will determine allowable locations for STR operations.

Step 5: Maintain Ongoing Compliance

• Submit required fees according to the city's Master Fee Schedule
• Maintain current permits and renewals as required
• Comply with all operational regulations outlined in the STR ordinance

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Municipal Permits and Applications

Based on Cisco's permit structure, STR operators will typically need:

Primary Requirements:

• Short-Term Rental Permit Application (specific to STR operation)
• Building Permit Application (if structural modifications are planned)
• Planning and Zoning permits as required by the STR ordinance

Supporting Documentation:

• Proof of property ownership
• Site plans and floor layouts (if required)
• Compliance with building codes and safety standards
• Any additional documentation specified in the STR ordinance

State-Level Requirements

• Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Permit from the Comptroller's Office
• State tax registration for collecting and remitting the 6% hotel occupancy tax
• Compliance with applicable state regulations governing short-term lodging

Fee Structure

Cisco maintains a Master Fee Schedule that outlines all municipal fees. STR operators should budget for:

• Initial permit application fees
• Annual renewal fees (if applicable)
• Inspection fees (if required)
• Any additional charges specified in the fee schedule

Current Fee Schedules:

• Master Fee Schedule September 2024 - October 2025
• Master Fee Schedule October 2025 - September 2026

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Cisco)

Cisco's Short-Term Rental Ordinance establishes the municipal framework for STR operations. While specific operational details require consultation with the full ordinance document, the existence of this dedicated regulation indicates that Cisco has established:

• Operational standards for STR properties
• Compliance requirements for property owners
• Enforcement mechanisms for violations
• Renewal and permit maintenance procedures

County-Level Regulations (Eastland County)

At the county level, short-term rentals generally operate under the same framework as other residential uses unless specific county ordinances exist. Property owners should verify that their STR operations comply with:

• County building codes and safety standards
• Any county-level land use regulations that may apply
• Floodplain and environmental regulations if applicable

State-Level Regulations (Texas)

Texas maintains a business-friendly approach to short-term rentals with minimal state-level restrictions:

Tax Obligations:

• 6% state hotel occupancy tax on stays fewer than 29 consecutive days
• Collection and remittance requirements through the Texas Comptroller's Office
• Monthly or quarterly filing obligations

Operational Framework:

• Texas does not require state-level licensing for short-term rentals
• Local municipalities have authority to establish additional requirements
• Property owners must comply with both state tax obligations and local regulations

Regulatory Philosophy:

• Texas employs a decentralized regulatory approach, allowing cities to establish their own STR frameworks
• This system provides flexibility for municipalities to address local concerns while maintaining overall business-friendly conditions

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Cisco - Planning, Zoning & Permitting Department

Physical Address: 500 Conrad Hilton Blvd
Cisco, TX 76437

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 110
Cisco, TX 76437

Phone Number:
254.442.2111

Email Contacts:

• City Manager: citymanager@ciscotexas.gov
• City Secretary: citysecretary@ciscotexas.gov

Website: www.cityofcisco.com/planning--zoning----permitting.html

Primary Contact Points for STR Inquiries:

1. Planning & Zoning Department - For ordinance interpretation and zoning compliance
2. Building Department - For permit applications and building code compliance
3. City Secretary's Office - For official document requests and process clarification

Source Pages

City of Cisco Official Resources:

• Planning, Zoning & Permitting
• Short Term Rental Ordinance
• Zoning Ordinance
• Section 22 of Ordinance - Schedule of Uses Table
• Master Fee Schedule September 2024 - October 2025
• Master Fee Schedule October 2025 - September 2026

Texas State Resources:

• Texas Comptroller's Office - For state tax registration and hotel occupancy tax requirements

Investment Considerations

Cisco's acceptance of short-term rentals, combined with Texas's business-friendly regulatory environment, presents a viable investment opportunity. The city's proactive approach to establishing a dedicated STR ordinance demonstrates municipal support for the industry while maintaining appropriate oversight. Property investors should focus on:

1. Thorough research of the specific STR ordinance requirements
2. Compliance planning with both state tax obligations and local regulations
3. Zoning verification to ensure property location supports STR operations
4. Financial planning that accounts for permit fees and ongoing compliance costs

The regulatory framework in Cisco provides clear pathways for legal STR operation, making it a potentially attractive market for short-term rental investment within Texas's broader business-friendly environment.