Executive Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Helotes?

Short-term rentals are allowed in Helotes, TX, but with significant restrictions and requirements. Helotes has implemented a comprehensive short-term rental ordinance that permits STRs primarily in commercial zoning districts while prohibiting them in residential districts. The city requires operators to obtain a short-term rental permit, collect and remit Hotel Occupancy Tax at a rate of 7%, and comply with strict operational standards including occupancy limits, parking requirements, and safety provisions.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Helotes

Step 1: Verify Zoning Compliance

Before proceeding, confirm your property location meets Helotes' zoning requirements:

• Short-term rentals are prohibited in residential districts
• STRs are permitted in commercial zoning districts, with C-4, C-4A, and C-4B districts requiring only a short-term rental permit
• In all other zoning districts (except residential), both a short-term rental permit AND a special use permit are required
• Critical: STRs are prohibited in any floodway regardless of zoning district

Step 2: Obtain Required Permits

1. Short-Term Rental Permit: Required in all zoning districts
2. Special Use Permit: Required in all districts except C-4, C-4A, and C-4B (where only STR permit is needed for single-family dwellings or duplexes)

Step 3: Complete Application Process

Submit applications to the Development Services Department with required documentation and fees.

Step 4: Pass Required Inspections

• Initial fire marshal inspection
• Annual fire inspections (every year for non-sprinklered structures, every other year for sprinklered structures)
• Transfer inspection if property changes ownership

Step 5: Establish Tax Compliance

• Register for Hotel Occupancy Tax account
• Set up quarterly reporting system (7% tax rate)
• Implement collection procedures for guests

Step 6: Implement Operational Standards

Install required safety equipment, create guest notification materials, and establish management procedures.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Permits Required

1. Short-Term Rental Permit

   • Application fee (per Appendix D of Helotes Code)
   • One-time fee per property
   • Must be renewed annually

2. Special Use Permit (for most districts)

   • Required for all districts except C-4, C-4A, C-4B
   • Process outlined in Section 144-3.6 of zoning chapter
   • Subject to public hearing process

Application Requirements

The following information must be provided:

• Complete list of all property owners (names, addresses, phone numbers)
• Property sketch showing required parking spaces
• Floor plan sketch
• 24-hour contact person information (name, address, phone number)
• Proof of Hotel Occupancy Tax compliance with Texas Tax Code Chapter 351
• Statement of compliance with all STR standards
• Current email address of owner/operator
• Property management/agent information (if applicable)

Insurance Requirements

• General commercial liability insurance: Minimum $500,000 per occurrence
• Certificate of insurance showing:
  • Name insured and additional insureds
  • Property address
  • Effective date and coverage limits
  • Coverage type
• Critical: Must notify city within 30 days of insurance changes

Tax Compliance Documents

• Hotel Occupancy Tax registration
• Quarterly HOT reporting forms
• Payment documentation for 7% tax rate
• State of Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax compliance documentation

Safety and Operational Documentation

• Fire extinguisher inspection certificates (annual)
• Evacuation plans posted in each sleeping room
• Guest notification signage
• Rental agreement templates including required disclosures

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Limits

• Maximum occupancy: 2 occupants per sleeping room plus 2 additional occupants total
• Sleeping room definition: Habitable spaces designed for sleeping per International Residential Code standards
• Must have at least one operable emergency escape and rescue opening per sleeping room

Bathroom Requirements

• Minimum requirements based on occupant count:
  • 5 occupants: 1 full bathroom
  • 6-9 occupants: 1 full bathroom + 1 half bathroom
  • 10 occupants: 2 bathrooms
  • 11-14 occupants: 2.5 bathrooms
  • 15 occupants: 3 bathrooms
• Full bathroom must include wash basin, toilet, and tub or shower
• Half bathroom minimum: wash basin and toilet

Parking Standards

• Minimum: 1 off-street parking space per sleeping room (garages excluded)
• Prohibited: Parking in public right-of-way or access easements
• Parking locations must be identified in application and guest materials

Life Safety Requirements

• Fire extinguishers: 2A:10B:C type (standard 5-pound) mounted within 75 feet of all structure portions on each floor
• Emergency escape: At least one operable emergency escape and rescue opening per sleeping room
• Evacuation plans: Must be posted conspicuously in each sleeping room
• Building codes: All construction must conform to city's adopted building codes

Operational Conduct Standards

• Quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM (no excessive noise on decks, porches, balconies, hot tubs, pools, saunas, or spas)
• No outdoor sleeping: Prohibited at all times
• Compliance requirement: Guests must comply with all city codes including noise, litter, parking, and trespassing provisions
• Public nuisance: No occupant or visitor may cause or maintain a public nuisance

Required Guest Notifications (Must Be Posted)

1. Maximum number of occupants
2. Parking locations and restrictions
3. Quiet hours and noise restrictions
4. Outdoor facility restrictions
5. 24-hour contact person and phone number
6. Property cleanliness requirements
7. Trash pick-up requirements and locations
8. Flooding hazards and evacuation routes (including emergency siren system)
9. Emergency numbers
10. Notice that occupancy and parking violations are subject to citation
11. Other useful community information

Advertising Requirements

• Must include in all advertising:
  • Short-term rental permit number
  • Maximum occupancy
  • Life-safety inspection expiration date

Signage Standards

• Must comply with city's current sign code
• City-issued STR decal must be posted at entry (accessible and legible)
• Alternative electronic database access for emergency responders and code enforcement

Tax Reporting Obligations

• Rate: 7% Hotel Occupancy Tax
• Frequency: Quarterly reports required
• Due dates:
  • Q1 (Jan-Mar): April 15
  • Q2 (Apr-Jun): July 15
  • Q3 (Jul-Sep): October 15
  • Q4 (Oct-Dec): January 15
• Extended deadline: Next business day if due date falls on weekend or city holiday
• Mailing: U.S. Postal Service postmark date considered payment date
• Zero reports: Required even if no taxes collected

Transfer and Renewal Requirements

• New ownership: Must apply for new permit within 90 days of closing
• Annual renewal requirements:
  • Pay inspection fee and pass fire marshal inspection
  • Document HOT payment compliance for previous year
  • Provide current insurance documentation
  • No outstanding city code or state law violations
  • No outstanding city fees or fines
  • No repeat offense standards violations

Enforcement and Penalties

• Citations: $500-$2,000 minimum fine per violation
• Unpermitted operation: $2,000 non-compliance fee
• Daily violations: Each day constitutes separate offense
• Permit revocation: Available for repeat violations (three separate citations within six months)
• Revocation process: 30-day written notice, planning commission recommendation, city council public hearing
• Reapplication: 12-month waiting period after revocation

Repeat Offense Standards

• More than two violations within 12-month period
• Repeated health or safety violations during 24-month period prior to permit application or renewal

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Helotes - Development Services Department

Primary Contact for Permits and Applications

• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 507, Helotes, Texas 78023
• Physical Address: 12951 Bandera Road, Helotes, Texas 78023
• Phone: 210-695-8877
• Fax: 210-695-2123
• Email: publicrelations@helotes-tx.gov
• Non-Emergency Police: 210-695-2500

Host Compliance (STR Monitoring and Complaints)

For Reporting STR Violations and Concerns

• Website: safe.hostcompliance.com/tips/type
• Hotline: 210-741-9797
• Purpose: Report noise disturbances, garbage issues, suspected illegal rentals, and other STR-related concerns

Emergency Services

• Emergency: Always call 911
• Non-Emergency Police: 210-695-2500

Additional City Contacts

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/helotes
• Twitter: twitter.com/City_of_Helotes
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/helotestx/
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCKPQAcOYWEXF5uNm7nsGWYQ
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/city-of-helotes/
• NextDoor: nextdoor.com/agency/city-of-helotes

State-Level Regulations (Texas)

Hotel Occupancy Tax Requirements

Under Texas Tax Code Chapter 351, operators must:

• Collect 7% Hotel Occupancy Tax from guests
• Remit taxes to the city where the property is located
• File regular reports (quarterly in Helotes)
• Maintain compliance with state reporting requirements

State Resources

• Texas Comptroller Hotel Occupancy Tax Information: www.comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/hotel/
• Provides guidance on state-level HOT requirements and compliance

Source Links

• Helotes Short-Term Rentals Page: helotes-tx.gov/departments/development-services/short-term-rentals/
• Helotes STR Ordinance Details: helotes-tx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/12-Short_Term_Rentals.pdf
• City of Helotes Code of Ordinances: library.municode.com/tx/helotes/codes/code_of_ordinances
• HOT Reporting Form: helotes-tx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/HOT_Report.pdf
• Texas Comptroller HOT Information: www.comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/hotel/
• Host Compliance Reporting: safe.hostcompliance.com/tips/type
• Helotes Fee Schedule: helotes-tx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FY25-Fee-Schedule-Complete-FINALupdate.pdf

Important Compliance Notes

1. Proactive Compliance: Helotes uses Host Compliance technology to monitor STR listings and identify non-compliant properties
2. Zero Tolerance for Non-Payment: Failure to pay HOT taxes can result in permit revocation
3. Strict Enforcement: The city has established clear revocation processes and penalties
4. Transfer Requirements: New owners must apply for permits within 90 days or face permit revocation
5. Insurance Maintenance: Continuous insurance coverage is mandatory with immediate notification of changes required

This guide provides a comprehensive framework for operating a compliant short-term rental in Helotes, but operators should regularly verify current requirements with city authorities as regulations may change.