All information reflects the latest publicly available documents (2025). Regulations can change; verify with the city before you begin operations.

1. Overview – Are STRs Allowed?

Yes – short‑term rentals are permitted in Roanoke, TX.
The City does not have a separate “short‑term‑rental‑only” ordinance, but it treats any rental of residential property (including stays of less than 30 days) as a rental that must be registered, inspected, and taxed.

• Allowed – provided the operator complies with the city’s Rental Registration and International Property Maintenance Code (pre‑inspection checklist).
• No city‑specific “STR permit” is required beyond the annual rental registration.
• State‑level hotel occupancy tax (6 %) applies; hosts must collect and remit it.
• Any private HOA or neighborhood covenants may be more restrictive—review them before you invest.

Bottom line: An STR is allowed, but you must register the property with the City of Roanoke, pass a safety inspection, and meet Texas hotel‑occupancy‑tax obligations.

2. How to Start an STR in Roanoke – Step‑by‑Step

| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters | |------|------------|----------------| | 1. Verify Zoning | Confirm the property is located in a zone that permits lodging. Use the City’s zoning map or contact the Planning Department. | The city does not have a separate “STR zoning” rule; if the underlying zoning bans lodging, you cannot operate. | | 2. Ensure Property Meets Life‑Safety Standards | Review the Rental Property Pre‑Inspection Checklist (see Section 4). Address all items before applying. | The City will not issue a registration without a passing pre‑inspection. | | 3. Complete the Rental Registration Application | Fill out the city’s 2021‑year application (owner info, property address, tenant info, number of occupants). Attach proof of ownership and any required supporting docs. | Annual registration is mandatory; failure can incur penalties up to $2,000. | | 4. Submit Registration & Fee | Send the completed form + $50 fee to permits@roanoketexas.com (or deliver in person) by March 1 each year. | The fee funds the City’s oversight program. | | 5. Pass the Pre‑Inspection | Schedule an inspection with the City’s inspections department (Life & Fire Safety division). The checklist items are mandatory. | Only a “passed” inspection yields the final registration. | | 6. Secure Liability Insurance | Obtain a standard landlord/short‑term‑rental policy (minimum $1 M liability). | Not a legal requirement but protects owners and satisfies most platforms. | | 7. Register for Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) | Create an account with the Texas Comptroller, collect 6 % HOT from every booking, and file returns (monthly or quarterly). | State law requires hosts to remit the tax; failure can lead to penalties. | | 8. Set Up a Business Entity (Optional) | Form an LLC or corporation to separate personal and rental assets. | Provides liability protection and may simplify tax filings. | | 9. Designate a Local Contact Person | Provide a 24/7 contact for guests and city officials. | Common requirement in many Texas jurisdictions; useful for rapid response to complaints. | | 10. Market & Operate | List the property on Airbnb, VRBO, etc. Add the city’s registration number in the listing (if required by platforms). Ensure guests receive house rules (quiet hours, parking, etc.). | Completes the setup and prepares you for guest turnover. |

3. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses & Guidelines

| Item | Description | Where to Obtain | |------|-------------|-----------------| | Rental Registration Application (2021) | Official form (owner info, tenant info, occupancy details). | City PDF – see source link in Section 6. | | Supporting Documents | Proof of ownership (e.g., deed), insurance certificate (optional but recommended), any HOA approvals. | Owner supplies. | | Application Fee | $50 (non‑refundable). | Pay via check or online payment method listed on the city site. | | Pre‑Inspection Checklist | Detailed life‑safety items (smoke detectors, CO alarms, egress, GFCI, exit paths, etc.). Must be met before registration issuance. | City’s pre‑inspection checklist (see source link). | | City Occupancy Permit | Issued after successful pre‑inspection and registration. | City of Roanoke. | | Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Registration | Collect 6 % state tax from guests; file returns with the Texas Comptroller. | Texas Comptroller website – see source link. | | Optional Business License / Permit | Not required by the city for an STR, but forming an LLC or filing a DBA can be done through the Texas Secretary of State. | Texas Secretary of State. | | HOA / Neighborhood Covenants | May impose additional occupancy caps, quiet‑hour rules, parking restrictions, or outright bans on STRs. | Check HOA documents or community management office. |

4. Specific Regulations – City, County, & State

4.1 City of Roanoke (Denton County)

| Regulation | Key Points | |------------|------------| | Rental Registration | • Annual registration due by March 1. <br>• $50 fee, payable with application. <br>• Penalty: up to $2,000 for failure to register or for providing false information. | | Pre‑Inspection (International Property Maintenance Code) | • Life & Fire Safety items must be compliant (e.g., functioning smoke detectors in each bedroom, hallway, and on each level). <br>• Carbon‑monoxide alarms required where fuel‑burning appliances or attached garage exist. <br>• All exits must be unobstructed; doors must be able to unlock from inside without a key. <br>• Sleeping rooms need two means of egress (one window + one door). <br>• GFCI outlets in kitchen/bathrooms; working exhaust fans; proper electrical panel covers. <br>• Exterior: visible address numbers (min. 4 in.), yard maintenance (grass ≤ 10 in.), trash stored in proper containers, roof/gutter condition, etc. | | Noise & Nuisance | City’s general ordinances apply (quiet hours, disturbances). Violations can be cited under city code. | | Zoning | STRs must