Overview: Are STRs allowed in Nazareth, TX?

Nazareth, Texas is an unincorporated community in Castro County. There are no city-specific short‑term rental ordinances identified. Under Texas state law, short‑term rentals are allowed statewide. In practice, STRs in Nazareth are generally treated as any residential use, provided the property meets standard building, life-safety, and tax obligations. Castro County has no published short‑term rental–specific licensing or registration requirements on its website, and no city permit system exists because Nazareth has no municipal government. Always confirm with county authorities before listing, as ordinances can change.

Bottom line: Yes—short‑term rentals are allowed in Nazareth, TX, at the state level and without known city-specific prohibitions. Investors should proceed in compliance with applicable Texas statutes (occupancy, fire/life-safety, and hotel tax) and confirm no new local rules have been adopted by Castro County.

How to start a short‑term rental business in this market

1. Confirm local status and rules

• Contact Castro County to confirm that no STR-specific license or zoning restrictions apply and that you will operate under standard residential use.
• If county staff indicates any recent updates (e.g., a future short-term rental registration), ask for the ordinance number and citation.

2. Prepare the property

• Ensure the dwelling meets 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) occupancy limits for sleeping rooms and egress.
• Install required smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms where applicable; maintain clear egress paths.
• Verify adequate hot water, heating, and safe electrical systems.
• Keep a posted evacuation plan, local emergency contact info, and house rules.

3. Register for Texas Hotel Tax (if you rent to guests for fewer than 30 days)

• Register with the Texas Comptroller to collect and remit state Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% statewide; rates vary locally).
• File returns and remit taxes monthly or quarterly as assigned by the Comptroller.
• Provide your tax permit number to any hosting platforms (Airbnb/VRBO) that collect state/local taxes on your behalf.

4. Maintain compliance and good-neighbor practices

• Enforce quiet hours, parking limits, and trash/recycling routines to minimize neighborhood impact.
• Screen guests and set house rules reflecting occupancy and conduct expectations.
• Retain guest logs and reservation records for tax and potential inspection needs.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

Documents and obligations you can expect to maintain:

• Property ownership or lease documentation for the STR.
• Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax registration and returns (Comptroller account), if renting fewer than 30 days.
• Documentation of life-safety compliance:
  • Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms as required by state law.
  • Egress compliance consistent with the 2015 IRC occupancy limits.
  • Posted evacuation plan and local emergency contact information.
• Guest logs, reservation records, and communications to support tax filings.
• House rules and check‑in instructions.

If a city applied (Nazareth does not have a municipal government) or if Castro County later adopts STR rules, additional permits or registrations could be required.

Specific regulations for short‑term rentals (city/county/state)

City of Nazareth: Not applicable. Nazareth is unincorporated; no city-level STR ordinances are identified.

Castro County: No short‑term rental–specific licensing, registration, or zoning restrictions appear on the county website. County contact is recommended to confirm there have been no recent changes to county-level rules.

Texas state rules that apply:

• Hotel Occupancy Tax (Tex. Tax Code ch. 156): Collect, file, and remit the 6% state hotel tax (plus any applicable local hotel taxes) if you rent the property for fewer than 30 days. The tax applies to the total price paid by the guest.
• Occupancy and life-safety standards:
  • 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) occupancy limits and room requirements apply to sleeping rooms.
  • Life-safety measures (e.g., working smoke alarms, CO alarms, and egress) are required under Texas law for rental properties.
• Local nuisance and public health statutes (e.g., littering, noise, parking) can be enforced by county sheriff and state agencies; ensure you manage guest behavior and property conditions accordingly.

Note: State statutes and local rules can be amended. Confirm current requirements at the time of listing.

Contact information (local authority for STRs)

Castro County offices (primary local authority for STRs in and around Nazareth):

• County Judge
  • Phone: (806) 647‑4201
  • Address: 100 E Prospect St, Dimmitt, TX 79027
• County Sheriff
  • Phone: (806) 647‑4461
  • Non‑emergency dispatch: (806) 647‑4444
• Castro County Tax Assessor‑Collector (vehicle/registration; may also advise on tax administration)
  • Phone: (806) 647‑4201 (county office; ask for Tax Assessor‑Collector)

For Texas hotel tax registration and filings:

• Texas Comptroller
  • Online: comptroller.texas.gov
  • Phone: 1‑800‑252‑1386 (Taxpayer Helpline)
  • For tax permit questions, search “Hotel Occupancy Tax” on the Comptroller site to start registration and view filing schedules.

Links to source pages

• Texas Comptroller (Hotel Occupancy Tax): comptroller.texas.gov

Practical note: Because Nazareth is unincorporated, any future STR-specific county rules would be posted by Castro County rather than by a city website. If you obtain new documents or ordinances, share them and I will update this guide with specific citations and links.