Overview

Short-term rentals ARE allowed in La Marque, TX, subject to the city's Rental Registration Program. The city has established a formal registration system for rental properties, including those used for short-term rental purposes. Investors must comply with the city's rental registration requirements, which include specific fees, annual renewal obligations, and compliance with municipal codes.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in La Marque

Starting a short-term rental business in La Marque requires following the city's established rental registration process:

1. Initial Registration: Contact the Code Compliance Department to receive the Rental Registration Application form via email at t.king@cityoflamarque.org.

2. Complete Application: Submit the completed Rental Registration Application with all required documentation.

3. Pay Fees: Remit the applicable registration fees (detailed in the Required Documents section below).

4. Annual Renewal: Remember that all registrations expire on December 31st annually and must be renewed each year.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Requirements

Rental Registration Application

• Obtain the official application form by emailing t.king@cityoflamarque.org
• This is the foundational document for all rental property registrations in La Marque

Fee Structure

Single-Family Homes/Dwellings:

• Administrative fee: $50.00
• Additional fee per single-family home/dwelling: $50.00
• Example Total: Application fee ($50.00) + 1 rental home ($50.00) = $100.00 total

Apartments in Duplexes, Triplexes, or Townhomes:

• Administrative fee: $50.00
• Additional fee per apartment: $50.00
• Example Total: Application fee ($50.00) + 4 apartments ($200.00) = $250.00

Important Compliance Notes

Expiration and Late Fees:

• All Rental Registration Applications expire on December 31st of every year
• Late fee of $15.00 per rental unit applies beginning January 31st if not renewed
• This applies in addition to the regular required fees

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (La Marque)

La Marque currently operates under a Rental Registration Program rather than specific short-term rental ordinances. The registration requirements apply broadly to all rental properties, including short-term rentals. Key points:

• Applicability: The program covers both traditional long-term rentals and short-term rental properties
• Annual Requirement: All rental properties must be registered annually
• Fee Structure: Based on property type and number of units
• Enforcement: Late fees apply for non-compliance after January 31st

State-Level Context (Texas)

Texas has relatively permissive laws regarding short-term rentals at the state level, with local municipalities having primary authority to regulate these properties through:

• Zoning regulations
• Local ordinances
• Permit and licensing requirements
• Health and safety codes
• Tax collection (Hotel Occupancy Tax)

County-Level Regulations

No specific Galveston County short-term rental regulations were identified in the provided content. County-level regulations typically focus on broader land use and health safety standards that may indirectly affect STR operations.

Contact Information

Primary Contact - Code Compliance Department

Email: t.king@cityoflamarque.org
Phone: 409-938-9256

City Hall Contact Information

Physical Address:
1111 Bayou Road
La Marque, TX 77568

Phone: 409-938-9200
Fax: 409-935-0401

Additional Resources

Rental Registration Application: Available via email request to t.king@cityoflamarque.org

Council District Information:
For matters requiring council discussion, consult the city's Council District Maps and Council Contact Information available on the city website.

Source Links

1. City of La Marque - Rental Registration Program: www.cityoflamarque.org/489/Rental-Registration-Program
2. La Marque Code of Ordinances: library.municode.com/tx/la_marque/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH41LADE
3. Rental Registration Application Document: Referenced in city website, available upon email request

Important Notes for Investors

1. Current Framework: La Marque operates under a general rental registration system rather than specific short-term rental regulations
2. Compliance is Key: While the process appears straightforward, strict adherence to annual renewal requirements is essential
3. Fee Planning: Factor the annual registration fees and potential late fees into operational budgets
4. Future Changes: Monitor city communications for any updates to rental registration requirements
5. Contact First: Always initiate contact with the Code Compliance Department before beginning operations to ensure current compliance requirements are met

The city's current approach provides a clear pathway for legal short-term rental operations while maintaining municipal oversight through the registration program.