What zoning rules apply to STRs in College Station?

Primary residence requirement strictly enforced in most residential neighborhoods (GS, RS, WRS zones).

What zoning rules apply to STRs in College Station?

Investor-owned (Type 3) rentals are only allowed in 8 specific commercial or high-density zones.

What are the permit fees in College Station?

Initial fee is $200 ($100 permit + $100 inspection), but failure to pass inspection costs an extra $124 per visit.

What are the key requirements for College Station hosts?

A 24/7 local contact person must be available to respond in person within one hour.

Short-Term Rental Laws in College Station, TX

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Verified: Feb 4, 2026

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Summary

College Station requires a permit for all short-term rentals and limits investor-owned properties to specific commercial and multi-family zoning districts.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 66 (moderate)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Standard permit fee: $200
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host an STR in College Station, you must obtain an annual permit and pass a life-safety inspection. Properties in common residential zones (General Suburban, Restricted Suburban, and Wellborn Restricted) must be the owner's primary residence. Owners are also required to collect and remit hotel occupancy taxes to the City, County, and State.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$200

Max Fine

$2,000

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Primary residence requirement strictly enforced in most residential neighborhoods (GS, RS, WRS zones).
2.Investor-owned (Type 3) rentals are only allowed in 8 specific commercial or high-density zones.
3.Initial fee is $200 ($100 permit + $100 inspection), but failure to pass inspection costs an extra $124 per visit.
4.A 24/7 local contact person must be available to respond in person within one hour.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(3)

•College Station requires that the property be the host's primary residence.
•College Station allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family, Duplex, Triplex, Fourplex, Multi-family, Manufactured Home, Condominium, Townhome.
•College Station allows tenants to host STRs.

Requirements(10)

•College Station STR warning: Primary residence requirement strictly enforced in most residential neighborhoods (GS, RS, WRS zones).
•College Station does not require STR registration.
•College Station STR warning: A 24/7 local contact person must be available to respond in person within one hour.
•College Station: A 24/7 local contact person must be available to respond in person within one hour.

Application Process(7)

•College Station STR permit - Step 4: Pass Life Safety Inspection. Schedule and pass an on-site inspection ensuring working smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and egress requirements. Time: 1-2 weeks.

Fees & Costs(2)

•College Station: Initial fee is $200 ($100 permit + $100 inspection), but failure to pass inspection costs an extra $124 per visit.
•College Station charges a registration fee of $200.

Taxes(2)

•College Station charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 0.07%.
•Brazos charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 0.02%.

Limits & Restrictions(1)

•College Station limits STRs to a maximum of 10 guests.

Safety Requirements(1)

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

Penalties(1)

•College Station enforces the following penalties for STR violations: Maximum fine: 2000.

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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

College Station

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(3)

Requirements(10)

Application Process(7)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(1)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(1)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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College Station

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in College Station?

2What is the TOT tax rate in College Station?

3Are investor-owned STRs allowed in College Station?

4What are the key requirements for College Station STRs?

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