Step 1
Verify Zoning District
Consult the City of Odessa Zoning Map to ensure your property is not in a Single-Family Residence District (SF-1 through SF-4), where STRs are prohibited.
1 dayFree
Documents needed
- Property Address
Cross-referenced against 4 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.
Short-term rentals in Odessa require a Certificate of Occupancy and are strictly prohibited in single-family residential zones.
In Odessa, you cannot operate a short-term rental in single-family neighborhoods (SF zones). To host legally in allowed zones like multi-family or commercial areas, you must pass building and fire inspections and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy that must be renewed every year.
Step-by-step guide for Odessa
Consult the City of Odessa Zoning Map to ensure your property is not in a Single-Family Residence District (SF-1 through SF-4), where STRs are prohibited.
Schedule inspections with the Building Official and Fire Marshal. Properties hosting more than 10 people must have emergency exit lighting and fire alarm systems.
Apply for a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) at City Hall. The CO must specify the property's use as a boarding house or short-term rental.
Obtain a Texas Sales Tax Permit and register with both the City and Ector County to remit the combined 15% occupancy tax.
Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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 Details may be outdated or incomplete.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.
Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM