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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in College Station, Texas. The City of College Station permits short-term rentals through a regulated framework that went into effect on October 1, 2020. A short-term rental is defined as a residential unit rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days, encompassing single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, multi-family units, manufactured homes, townhomes, and condominiums.

The city has implemented a comprehensive permitting and regulatory system that balances property rights with neighborhood preservation. Following a significant legal development in 2023, the city revised its ordinance to remove previous location-based restrictions, making short-term rentals accessible throughout the city as long as operators meet permit requirements and comply with all applicable regulations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in College Station

Step 1: Understand the Legal Framework

College Station categorizes short-term rentals into different types based on operational characteristics:

• Short-Term Rental I: Bed and breakfast facilities in residential zoning districts (owner-occupied, maximum 4 unrelated individuals, up to 4 rooms with shared bathrooms)
• Short-Term Rental II: Owner-occupied units in specific residential zoning districts (General Suburban, Restricted Suburban, Wellborn Restricted Suburban)
• Short-Term Rental III: Non-owner-occupied units in other residential zoning districts

Step 2: Determine Property Eligibility

Verify that your property meets zoning requirements for the type of STR you wish to operate. The city allows STR operations in most zoning districts, with specific provisions for owner-occupied versus non-owner-occupied properties in residential areas.

Step 3: Secure Required Documentation

Gather all necessary documents before beginning the application process, including proof of ownership, local contact information, and safety compliance documentation.

Step 4: Submit Permit Application

Use the city's designated online portal to apply for your short-term rental permit. Each unit requires a separate permit, and permits are non-transferable.

Step 5: Complete Life Safety Inspection

Schedule and pass a comprehensive life safety inspection ensuring compliance with city building and fire codes.

Step 6: Implement Guest Information Systems

Create and distribute required guest information brochures and establish emergency contact protocols.

Step 7: Establish Hotel Occupancy Tax Collection and Remittance

Implement systems to collect and remit hotel occupancy taxes on a monthly basis.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Permits

• Short-Term Rental Permit: Mandatory for each STR unit, valid for one year from issuance
• Life Safety Inspection: Required before permit issuance and periodically thereafter

Required Fees

• Short-Term Rental Permit Fee: $100 (non-refundable)
• Short-Term Rental Inspection Fee: $100
• Short-Term Rental Failed Inspection Fee: $124 (for re-inspections)
• Short-Term Rental Permit Renewal Fee: $75

Required Documentation

1. Completed Application Form: Including owner/operator information, property details
2. Proof of Ownership or Authorization: If not the owner, signed proof of owner's consent is required
3. Local Contact Information: Name, address, email, and 24-hour telephone number of designated local contact
4. Primary Residence Verification: For Short-Term Rental I and II, proof of Brazos County homestead residence
5. Hotel Occupancy Tax Compliance Verification: Confirmation of no delinquent taxes
6. Guest Information Brochure: Detailed document containing:
   • Operator's 24-hour contact information
   • Neighborhood information (parking, noise, trash collection)
   • Emergency contact numbers (police, fire, medical services)
   • Severe weather and disaster alert instructions

Safety Equipment Requirements

• Smoke Detectors: Working smoke detectors in accordance with adopted codes
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Required if dwelling uses natural gas or propane
• Fire Extinguishers: One working fire extinguisher per floor of the dwelling
• Compliance Verification: Maintenance of compliance with applicable building and fire codes

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (College Station)

Operational Requirements

• Permit Display: Permit number must be included in all advertisements and listings
• Annual Renewal: Permits must be renewed annually with no automatic renewal
• Property Sale Impact: Permits are non-transferable and become void upon property sale
• Local Contact Availability: Designated contact must be available 24/7 and respond to complaints within one hour

Guest Management

• Maximum Occupancy: Must comply with all applicable building and occupancy codes
• Informational Requirements: Mandatory guest brochure distribution
• Noise and Conduct: Operators responsible for guest conduct and neighborhood impacts

Compliance and Enforcement

• Code Compliance: Properties must maintain compliance with all applicable city codes
• Violation Consequences: Non-compliance may result in permit revocation or denial of renewal
• Appeal Process: Written appeal to City Manager within 5 business days of denial or revocation

County-Level Regulations (Brazos County)

• Hotel Occupancy Tax: Local hotel occupancy taxes apply to STR operations
• Homestead Exemptions: Required for certain STR types as proof of primary residence
• Tax Collection and Remittance: Monthly filing and remittance required

State-Level Regulations (Texas)

• Hotel Occupancy Tax Rate: 6% state tax plus 7% total local tax in College Station
• Tax Application: Applies to sleeping accommodations costing $2 or more per day
• Collection Requirements: Monthly filing due by 20th day of following month
• Penalties: 15% penalty for each 30 days of late filing or payment
• Definition Under Tax Code: STRs explicitly included in hotel occupancy tax requirements

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact: Code Enforcement Division

• Department: Community Services Department, Code Enforcement Division
• Phone: 979.764.6363
• Email: str@cstx.gov
• Complaints Email: codeenforcement@cstx.gov
• Complaints Portal: SeeClickFix (seeclickfix.com/college-station)

City Contact Information

• Address: City of College Station, 1101 Texas Ave., College Station, TX 77840
• Main Phone: 979.764.3500 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays)
• STR Permit Portal: portal.deckard.com/tx-brazos-city_of_college_station-str-portal

Online Resources

• STR Information: www.cstx.gov/living-here/housing/short-term-rental-housing/
• STR Map: cstx.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=bab6512ee20340149e1a2070430cba2d
• Apply for Permit: portal.deckard.com/tx-brazos-city_of_college_station-str-portal
• Ordinance Text: library.municode.com/tx/college_station/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=1188040

Important Updates and Considerations

Recent Regulatory Changes

Following a 2023 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling, College Station removed previous location-based restrictions on STR operations, allowing properties to operate anywhere in the city as long as permit requirements are met. This change significantly expanded opportunities for STR investors while maintaining safety and tax compliance requirements.

Ongoing Compliance Requirements

• Monthly Tax Filings: Required regardless of whether any stays occurred
• Annual Permit Renewal: Must be initiated before expiration to avoid citations
• Property Sale Notifications: Must notify Code Enforcement within 30 days of property sale
• Inspection Compliance: Maintain life safety equipment and respond to inspection requirements

Enforcement Mechanisms

The city employs a multi-tiered enforcement approach including permit denial/revocation, municipal court citations, and criminal misdemeanor charges for serious violations. Hotel occupancy tax non-payment is specifically cited as grounds for immediate permit revocation.

This regulatory framework provides clear pathways for legitimate STR operations while maintaining neighborhood character and ensuring proper tax collection. Prospective investors should carefully review all requirements and maintain ongoing compliance to avoid enforcement actions.