Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Waxahachie, TX?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Waxahachie, Texas. As of October 16, 2023, the Waxahachie City Council approved Ordinance 3414, which establishes comprehensive regulations for short-term rentals within the city limits. STRs are permitted across all zoning districts, subject to specific requirements including Special Use Permits (SUP) in most areas and mandatory registration throughout the city.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Waxahachie

Step-by-Step Process

1. Zoning Verification

   • Verify your property's zoning using the Interactive Zoning Map Tool
   • Note that Central Area (CA) zoning allows STRs by right without SUP requirements
   • All other districts require SUP approval plus registration

2. Special Use Permit (SUP) Application

   • Submit SUP application to Planning Department
   • Fee: $500
   • Processing time: 10 business days for initial review, 5 days for resubmittals
   • Public hearing required (15-day notice to surrounding properties within 500 feet)
   • SUP is non-transferable with property ownership changes

3. Registration Process

   • Complete registration through the city's online portal
   • Annual fee: $300
   • Registration valid for one year from issuance
   • Must display registration number visibly near primary entrance

4. Inspection Requirements

   • City inspection required as part of registration process
   • Must comply with International Property Maintenance Code
   • See Inspection Checklist for specific requirements

5. Ongoing Compliance

   • Pay local Hotel Occupancy Tax (7%)
   • Maintain $1 million insurance coverage
   • Update registration information within 30 days of changes

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Special Use Permit Requirements

• Completed SUP application
• Site plan or survey showing existing property conditions
• Floor plan with dimensional room layout
• Property owner affidavit (if owner not operator)
• Proof of $1 million liability insurance
• Hotel Occupancy Tax receipt (if previously operating)
• Host rules documentation

Registration Requirements

• Property owner information (name, address, phone, email)
• Designated local emergency contact (within 20 miles, 24-hour availability)
• Floor plan submission
• Site plan indicating maximum vehicle parking capacity
• Informational brochure (see regulations section)
• Hotel Occupancy Tax payment receipt
• Registration fee payment ($300 annually)
• Proof of $1 million insurance coverage
• Local emergency contact display document (8.5" x 11")

Ongoing Operational Requirements

• Maintain working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms
• Provide fire extinguisher on premises
• Install functional security cameras monitoring primary entrances/exits
• Maintain 60-day video recording retention
• Guest brochure with emergency information and restrictions
• Annual registration renewal

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Restrictions

• Maximum two adult guests per bedroom
• Maximum two additional adults permitted
• Total maximum occupancy: 10 persons (including adults, children, and owner)
• Cannot rent to multiple groups simultaneously under separate contracts
• No overlapping rentals or partial rentals permitted

Parking Requirements

• One off-street parking space per bedroom
• Maximum five off-street parking spaces (excluding owner's vehicles)
• Parking prohibited on grass or unpaved surfaces
• Golf carts, ATVs, recreational vehicles, and trailers prohibited

Prohibited Activities

• Operating without valid SUP and registration
• Advertising unregistered STRs
• Rentals less than 24 hours
• Converting garages to living space for STR use
• Adding bedrooms through remodeling without approval
• Creating additional parking by paving without city approval

Use Restrictions

• No parties, social gatherings, or entertainment events
• Cannot be used for retail, restaurant, banquet space, or event space
• No temporary housing for sex offenders
• No sober living homes or recovery facilities
• No illegal drug or alcohol sales
• No sexually oriented businesses

Nuisance Provisions

• Properties with three+ substantiated nuisance complaints within 12 months (prior to Oct 16, 2023) ineligible for SUP/registration
• Progressive enforcement: 1st violation ($500 fine), 2nd violation ($1,000 fine), 3rd violation (6-month registration ban)

Refuse and Recycling Requirements

• All refuse in sealed, leak-proof plastic bags
• Use appropriate city polycarts with lids completely closed
• Place at collection points by 6:45 AM on collection day
• Cannot place polycarts before 7:00 PM day before collection
• Additional polycarts available for additional fee

Financial Obligations

• Hotel Occupancy Tax: 7% local rate
• Registration fee: $300 annually
• SUP fee: $500 (one-time, non-transferable)
• Late registration fee: 1.5x standard fee

Penalties for Violations

• Maximum fine: $2,000 per offense
• Each day of violation constitutes separate offense
• Registration suspension/revocation possible
• Three violations within 12 months result in 6-month registration prohibition

County and State-Level Regulations

Ellis County

No specific county-level STR regulations were identified in the provided content. STR operations must comply with all applicable county codes and ordinances.

Texas State Requirements

• Hotel Occupancy Tax compliance under Texas Tax Code Chapter 156
• Must comply with all state health and safety codes
• Short-term rentals classified as "hotels" for tax purposes under Section 156.101

Contact Information

Primary STR Authority

Waxahachie Planning Department

• Contact Person: Oanh Vu
• Phone: 469-309-4290
• Email: planning@waxahachie.com
• Address: 408 S. Rogers, Waxahachie, Texas 75165

General City Contact

• Phone: 469-309-4000
• Address: 408 S. Rogers, P.O. Box 757, Waxahachie, Texas 75168

Online Resources

• STR Registration Portal: waxahachie.munirevs.com/
• Interactive Zoning Map: Available through Planning Department GIS services

Source Pages and Links

Official City Resources

1. Main STR Information Page: www.waxahachie.com/departments/planning_department/short_term_rentals_(str.php
2. STR Restrictions: www.waxahachie.com/departments/planning_department/restrictions.php
3. City Ordinance 3414 (Full Text): cms7files.revize.com/waxahachietx/City%20Ord%20No.%203414%20-%20Short-Term%20Rentals.pdf
4. STR Registration Portal: waxahachie.munirevs.com/
5. STR FAQ Document: www.waxahachie.com/document_center/planning/STR/STR-frequetly%20asked%20questions.pdf

Supporting Documents

6. MuniCode Library: library.municode.com/tx/waxahachie
7. Current STR Cases Dashboard: experience.arcgis.com/experience/530f2e428cf240d4b4761ed6dedbbb90/

This guide represents the complete regulatory framework for short-term rental operations in Waxahachie, Texas, as of the latest available information. Investors should verify current requirements with the Planning Department before proceeding with any STR investment or operation.