Lufkin, Texas
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Lufkin, TX
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Local STR Agent
STR Regulations for Lufkin, Texas
Based on the provided content, here is a comprehensive guide for operating a short-term rental in Lufkin, Texas.
Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Lufkin, TX?
Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Lufkin, Texas, but they are strictly regulated by city ordinance. The City Council passed Ordinance 446 on September 5, 2023, to address a 44% increase in STRs within the last year. The regulations aim to preserve neighborhood character, ensure public safety through code compliance, and recover hotel/motel tax revenue from these properties.
How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Lufkin, TX
Follow these steps to legally operate an STR in Lufkin:
- Apply for a Permit: Submit a Short-Term Rental Registration Application to the City of Lufkin Planning Department. The application is currently available online via Formstack. The permit fee is $100.00, and it must be renewed every two years.
- Pay the Application Fee: Pay the $100 permit fee at the time of application.
- Prepare for Inspection: The City's Chief Building Inspector will contact you within 2-4 business days to schedule a mandatory walk-through inspection. This inspection focuses on safety and fire regulations, such as the presence and functionality of smoke detectors.
- Set Up Tax Collection: Log into your listing on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO and add the City of Lufkin as the taxing authority. Most major host platforms are configured to automatically collect and remit the 7% hotel/motel tax directly to the city. It is the owner's responsibility to ensure tax collection is enabled and up-to-date to avoid penalties and interest.
- Display Required Information: Prepare a letter or brochure with all the specified information (see "Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines") to be displayed prominently inside the rental property.
Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines
The following are mandatory for operation:
- Short-Term Rental Registration Permit: Obtained from the City of Lufkin Planning Department. Fee: $100, valid for two years. Link to Application.
- Safety Inspection: A successful inspection by the City's Chief Building Inspector is required before operation can commence.
- In-Unit Guest Information Display: A letter or brochure containing:
- Short-term rental permit number.
- Owner or operator's name and contact phone number.
- Local contact person's 24-hour telephone number (if the property owner does not reside on the same property).
- Neighborhood information (trash collection schedules, parking).
- Trash disposal instructions.
- Emergency information (911, non-emergency numbers for police and fire).
- A notification that all guests must comply with local and state laws.
- Hotel/Motel Tax Remittance: A 7% tax must be collected, typically handled by the host platform. Owners are responsible for ensuring the city is listed as the taxing authority on their platform accounts.
Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Lufkin, Texas
The regulations, established by Ordinance 446, cover several key operational areas:
- Guest Occupancy Limits:
- Two persons per bedroom, plus two additional persons in the unit, regardless of age.
- No more than 12 guests total, regardless of the property's size.
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Short-term rentals are allowed in ADUs (e.g., garage apartments), provided:
- The property complies with all local ordinances and state laws.
- The ADU cannot have a separate address or utilities from the primary home.
- Fines and Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- 1st Offense: $200
- 2nd Offense: $400
- 3rd Offense & Beyond: $500
- Permit Suspension/Revocation: Upon the third violation within 24 months, the City may suspend or revoke the short-term rental permit.
- Complaint Process: The city is developing a 24/7 hotline for STR-related complaints. Until then, residents can contact City of Lufkin Code Compliance or the Lufkin Police Department for suspected law violations.
Contact Information for Local Authority
For permits, questions, and compliance, contact the City of Lufkin Planning Department.
- Phone: 936-633-0247
- Email: srayburn@cityoflufkin.com
- Address: City Hall, 300 E. Shepherd, Lufkin, Texas 75901
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM
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Overview of Lufkin
Lufkin is the largest city in Angelina County, Texas, United States and is the county seat. The city is situated in Deep East Texas and is 60 mi (97 km) west of the Texas- Louisiana state line. Its population is 34,143 as of 2020.Lufkin was founded in 1884 and named for Abraham P. Lufkin. It originally served as a stop on the Houston, East and West Texas Railway. It was officially incorporated on October 15, 1890. Lufkin continued to serve as a stop on the railroad until 1890. Three businessmen founded Angelina Lumber Company, which led to much of the economic prosperity Lufkin later enjoyed. When the so-called "timber boom" came to an end, a new "golden era of expansion" began. Lufkin became more industrialized with the opening of Lufkin Industries and Southland Paper Mill. In the mid-1960s, a cultural expansion began, and improvements were made to education and the way of life, including museums and the opening of a new library.The City of Lufkin has a council–manager government, with six city council members, a mayor, and a city manager. The Lufkin Independent School District encompasses most of Lufkin and operates almost all of the schools within Lufkin. Additionally, Angelina College, a community college, is located in Lufkin.
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