Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Bastrop, TX?

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in Bastrop, though state and county regulations may still apply. The city regulates STRs through the 'B3' zoning code, allowing them in most residential zones. Always confirm current regulations with the city before operating a short-term rental.

What is the TOT tax rate in Bastrop, TX?

**7% TOT** is the current Hotel Occupancy Tax rate for short-term rentals in Bastrop. You need to register with the Finance Department to collect this tax from guests. You are then responsible for remitting it to the city. Be sure to check with the Finance Department for specific filing deadlines.

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Bastrop, TX?

**Penalties** for operating an illegal STR in Bastrop can vary depending on the specific violation. Since STRs are regulated through zoning and tax ordinances, non-compliance could lead to fines or legal action. Contact the city's Finance Department and zoning office to ensure full compliance with local regulations before operating.

Bastrop, TX Short-Term Rental Laws & Regulations

Q: Are short-term rentals allowed in Bastrop, TX?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally permitted in Bastrop within most residential zones (P3-P5). However, you must register with the Finance Department to collect and remit the 7% Hotel Occupancy Tax. Always verify your property's zoning and any specific neighborhood restrictions before listing it online.

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Summary

The City of Bastrop does not have a dedicated short-term rental permit or ordinance but regulates them through the 'B3' zoning code. STRs are generally permitted in most residential zones (P3-P5), though hosts must register with the Finance Department to collect and remit the 7% local Hotel Occupancy Tax.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 3 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Reporting required
•No STR-specific permit required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in the City of Bastrop, you don't need a specific 'STR license' yet, but you must make sure your house is in a zone that allows rentals. You are required to register with the city's Finance Department to pay a 7% local hotel tax every quarter. You also need to register with the State of Texas for the state-level tax. Even though the city is flexible, always check your HOA rules as they can still ban short-term rentals in your neighborhood.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Verify your 'Place Type' (Zoning) in the B3 Code before starting; some lower-density areas (P2) may restrict use.
2.Bastrop's local tax (7%) is often NOT collected by platforms like Airbnb and must be filed manually by the host.
3.Stays longer than 30 consecutive days are exempt from both state and local hotel taxes.
4.The city uses a unique 'Building Block' zoning system (B3) rather than traditional R1/R2 zoning.
5.Failing to report Hotel Occupancy Tax quarterly can lead to significant interest and late fees.
6.If you are outside the city limits in Unincorporated Bastrop County, these city tax rules do not apply, but county taxes might.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Bastrop, TX: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Bastrop, TX: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Bastrop allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family, Townhouse, Apartment.
•Bastrop: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements(11)

•Bastrop: The city uses a unique 'Building Block' zoning system (B3) rather than traditional R1/R2 zoning.
•Bastrop STR warning: The city uses a unique 'Building Block' zoning system (B3) rather than traditional R1/R2 zoning.
•Bastrop: Hosts must report their rental activity quarterly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.

Application Process(9)

•Bastrop: Verify your 'Place Type' (Zoning) in the B3 Code before starting; some lower-density areas (P2) may restrict use.
•Bastrop, TX: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit, Hotel Occupancy Tax Registration.

Taxes(4)

•Bastrop charges a Hotel Occupancy Tax of 7%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit state tax (6%), but hosts must verify if local 7% is collected or needs manual remittance.
•Bastrop: Failing to report Hotel Occupancy Tax quarterly can lead to significant interest and late fees.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Bastrop, TX occupancy calculation: Standard occupancy limits per building code apply. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Bastrop occupancy calculation: Standard occupancy limits per building code apply. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Bastrop limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Bastrop enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Bastrop requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher.

Penalties(1)

•Bastrop enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by general code enforcement. Daily fine: Up to $500 per day for zoning violations.

Exemptions(5)

•Bastrop exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
•Bastrop, TX: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Bastrop: If you are outside the city limits in Unincorporated Bastrop County, these city tax rules do not apply, but county taxes might.

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Texas Markets

Dallas

Texas

Moderate

Dallas currently requires short-term rental registration and a 7% local Hotel Occupancy Tax. While the city passed a strict ordinance in 2023 that would have banned STRs in single-family residential zones, a June 2024 court injunction has temporarily blocked the city from enforcing those zoning restrictions and certain operational rules.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Rockport

Texas

Moderate

The City of Rockport requires all short-term rental operators to obtain an annual permit and undergo a safety inspection. Hosts must collect and remit a combined 10% local Hotel Occupancy Tax (8% City, 2% County) in addition to state taxes.

Permit required

0.2% total tax

El Paso

Texas

Permissive

The City of El Paso does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental permit or ordinance. However, all hosts are legally required to register and remit a 7% Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) to the city, in addition to Texas state-level taxes.

0.1% total tax

Frisco

Texas

Moderate

The City of Frisco requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain an annual permit and pay a $300 fee. Hosts must collect and remit a 7% city occupancy tax monthly in addition to the 6% state tax. Regulations include mandatory safety equipment, emergency contact posting, and a prohibition on renting to individuals under 21 years of age.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Bastrop

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

Requirements(11)

Application Process(9)

Taxes(4)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(1)

Exemptions(5)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Bastrop

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Bastrop, TX?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Bastrop, TX?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Bastrop, TX?

4What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Bastrop, TX?

Related Content

Other Texas Markets

Dallas

Rockport

El Paso

Frisco