Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Somerville?

Explicit answer: Short-term rentals (STRs) are treated by Somerville as lodging uses that fall under hotel/motel or bed‑and‑breakfast (B&B) rules. Airbnb‑style rentals of less than 30 days are explicitly classified as “short term rental of homes via a website” and, per the zoning ordinance definition (see “Definitions”), such uses “fall under hotel or bed and breakfast regulations.” As a result, an STR in Somerville is generally processed as a B&B or as a hotel/motel, depending on the operation’s size and configuration.

Zoning status depends on the district and whether a Special Use Permit (SUP) is required:

• Permitted in A/O (Agricultural/Open Space) by-right.
• Permitted subject to a Special Use Permit in RS‑1 (Single‑Family Residential).
• Permitted in C‑1 (Local Business) and C‑2 (General Commercial).
• Permitted in C‑3 (Town Center Commercial).

Practically, most whole‑home STRs in residential zones will be “Bed and Breakfast” uses and require a Special Use Permit (SUP). If operating as a hotel/motel (typically for longer‑term or multi‑unit lodging), that use is principally permitted in C‑2 and C‑3 and, depending on the exact scenario, may be subject to an SUP in C‑1.

Important: Under Texas state law, individual municipalities cannot prohibit the listing or advertising of STRs. However, they can regulate and permit lodging uses (including B&B/hotel‑motel) via local zoning.

Market Entry: How to Start a Short-Term Rental in Somerville

• Confirm zoning: Identify the zoning district of the property. If it is RS‑1, expect an SUP. If A/O, B&B is by‑right. If C‑1/C‑2/C‑3, B&B/hotel‑motel are principally permitted (with normal commercial site plan and development standards).
• Choose the use classification:
  • Bed and Breakfast: Typically smaller, owner‑hosted or smaller‑scale lodging with breakfast service.
  • Hotel/Motel: Larger lodging operation; hotel/motel use is principally permitted in C‑2 and C‑3.
• Assemble required submittals:
  • Site plan per Section 10 (see “Permits, Licenses, Guidelines”).
  • SUP application (for RS‑1; City Council final approval after public hearing and Planning & Zoning Commission recommendation).
  • Building permit application, if structural work or change of use is involved.
  • Certificate of Compliance (for zoning compliance).
• Apply for approvals:
  • For RS‑1: Submit SUP application with site plan, attend public hearing before Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council, obtain Council approval, then proceed to building permits if needed.
  • For C‑1/C‑2/C‑3: Prepare site plan, submit with any required permits; no SUP needed unless the use is otherwise conditioned.
• Operational considerations:
  • Plan parking per Section 9.1 (usually 2 spaces per B&B unit; see specific ratios below).
  • Ensure compliance with any Texas state requirements (such as registrations or taxes if applicable) and local fire/life safety requirements.
  • Consider property insurance and neighbor relations; RS‑1 SUPs can include conditions to protect residential character.
• Timing: SUP processing involves notice to property owners within 200 feet, public hearing, and possible conditions. Building permits require plan review and inspections.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Zoning compliance and definitions:
  • Zoning Ordinance 21‑010 (Somerville).
  • Definitions relevant to STR/B&B:
    • “Airbnb – short term rental of homes via a website, usually less than 30 days. For the purpose of this definition will fall under hotel or bed and breakfast regulations.” (Section 2)
    • “Bed and Breakfast. A bed and breakfast is a small lodging establishment that offers overnight accommodation and breakfast. Bed and breakfasts are often private family homes and typically have between four and eleven rooms, with six being the average. In addition, a B&B usually has the hosts living in the house.” (Section 2)
    • “Hotel‑Motel. Lodging services involving the provision of room and/or board.” (Section 2)
• Site Plan Approval (Section 10):
  • Required for any development subject to zoning, including SUPs. Must contain information specified in Section 10 (boundary lines; easements; utilities; traffic; parking; landscaping; screening; signage; lighting; phasing; elevations). Some details are described in the PD section (8.9) and referenced in SUP section (8.10).
• Special Use Permits (Section 8.10):
  • Application must include a site plan and fee.
  • Public hearing, notices to owners within 200 feet.
  • Commission recommendation; City Council approval may impose conditions precedent to certificate of occupancy.
  • Council may require additional materials (floor plans, operating data, traffic/parking details).
• Building permits and inspections (Section 8.9.f and general administration references):
  • Needed for structural changes, conversions, or operational changes of use.
  • Certificate of Occupancy required prior to operation for uses permitted via SUP.
• Certificate of Compliance (Section 2, “Certificate of Compliance”):
  • Issued by Planning and Zoning Official certifying proposed development complies with zoning.
• Off‑Street Parking & Loading (Section 9.1):
  • Minimum space dimensions: 9' x 20' (90‑degree); handicap spaces per ADA and Texas Program for Elimination of Architectural Barriers.
  • Key ratios:
    • Residential uses: Single Family — 2 spaces per dwelling unit.
    • Bed & Breakfast: 1 space per guest room plus 2 spaces for the owner/manager unit (if applicable).
    • Hotel/Motel: 1 space per guest room plus 1 space per 2 employees on the largest shift.
    • Restaurants: 1 space per 100 sq ft of dining area (general); 1 space per 75 sq ft for fast‑food/drive‑in.
    • Offices: 1 space per 300 sq ft GFA.
    • Retail: 1 space per 250 sq ft GFA.
• Texas State Framework:
  • STR advertising cannot be banned by local ordinance (State law).
  • Municipalities can regulate lodging via zoning and permitting (as Somerville does).
  • Confirm any state-level registration or tax obligations (e.g., hotel occupancy tax) with the Texas Comptroller.

Specific Regulations: Zoning Districts and STR/B&B

Summary of STR/B&B allowances by district:

| Zoning District | B&B Allowed | Hotel/Motel Allowed | SUP Required (for B&B unless noted) | Notes | |---|---|---:|---:|---| | A/O Agricultural/Open Space | Yes (principal permitted) | No | No | Bed & Breakfast permitted by-right (Section 8.2). | | RS‑1 Single‑Family Residential | Yes | Not listed as principal; consider as residential lodging; likely not appropriate without SUP | Yes | B&B requires SUP (Section 8.3). Density ≤ 1 dwelling unit per lot applies to principal use; B&B treated as lodging with SUP; plan for residential compatibility. | | R‑MH Manufactured Housing Residential | Not listed; consider compatibility via SUP | Not listed | Possibly | B&B requires SUP (Section 8.4). Typical manufactured home districts are not the primary STR venue. | | C‑1 Local Business | Yes | No | No (B&B principal permitted) | Site plan required; standard commercial standards apply (Section 8.5). | | C‑2 General Commercial | Yes | Yes (principal permitted) | No | Site plan required; hotel/motel is permitted; parking ratio 1 space per guest room (Section 8.6). | | C‑3 Town Center Commercial | Yes | Not listed as principal; assess if applicable via PD or use classification | No | No on-site parking required for permitted uses; building coverage up to 100% (Section 8.7). |

Additional notes:

• RS‑1 district allows one principal dwelling per lot. A B&B operation is a lodging use, not a second dwelling; with an SUP, it can be authorized provided conditions safeguard neighborhood character (e.g., parking, signage, operating hours, screening).
• In commercial districts (C‑1/C‑2/C‑3), the B&B is a permitted use without an SUP, subject to site plan and normal commercial development standards.
• Bed & Breakfast typical scale: Section 2 notes 4–11 rooms (average 6), with hosts living in the house—useful for investors to gauge market fit.
• Off‑street parking standards (Section 9.1) must be met; in C‑3, permitted uses do not require on‑site parking.

Operational Guidelines (from Zoning Standards)

• Signs and illumination: Governed by Section 9.7 (apply to any signage for B&B/hotel/motel).
• Screening, fences, walls: Section 9.6—important in residential adjacency contexts, especially for RS‑1 SUP conditions.
• Landscaping/greenspace: Section 9.8—applies to commercial projects; C‑3 has reduced parking obligations, but landscaping still addressed.
• Temporary Uses/Buildings: Section 11.5—check limits if you plan pop‑up or seasonal structures.
• Nonconforming Uses: Section 11.4—if existing buildings were lawful before ordinance changes, confirm status before conversion to STR.

County/State Context

• Burleson County: The provided ordinance does not include county-level STR rules; focus is on City of Somerville.
• Texas (State):
  • Municipalities may regulate lodging through zoning (as Somerville does).
  • Advertising cannot be banned by local ordinance.
  • Hotel/motel taxes may apply; consult the Texas Comptroller for state-level filings and local HOT registrations if applicable.

Contact Information

• City of Somerville
  • Mailing Address: 1216 11th Street, Somerville, TX 77879
  • Phone: 979‑596‑2882
  • Hours: Not specified in provided content
  • Website: Not provided in the content (refer to official City of Somerville municipal site if needed)
• Zoning Administrator: City Administrator (or designee) per Section 2 (Definition) and Section 8.9
• Planning & Zoning Commission: Handles SUP recommendations; public hearings prior to City Council action
• City Council: Final approval authority for SUPs
• Building Official: Responsible for plan review, inspections, and certificates of occupancy
• County Clerk/County Tax Office (Burleson County): Contact for any county-level permits, hotel/motel tax registrations, or records (if applicable). Specific contact details not provided in the content.

Source Links

• City of Somerville Zoning Ordinance 21‑010: cms5.revize.com/revize/somerville/Zoning%20Ordinance.pdf

Notes and Recommendations

• For RS‑1 STRs: Expect to apply for an SUP and work closely with neighbors; be prepared to address parking, signage, and operational conditions in the SUP.
• For C‑1/C‑2/C‑3 STRs: Principal use allowances streamline approvals; still require site plans, parking compliance, and standard commercial development controls.
• Always confirm current permit processes and fees with the City; ordinances can be updated and local administrative practices may evolve.