What should Odessa hosts know about strict prohibition in single-family residence?

Strict prohibition in Single-Family Residence Districts (SF-1 to SF-4).

What are the key requirements for Odessa hosts?

Certificate of Occupancy must be displayed prominently inside the unit.

What should Odessa hosts know about liability insurance specifically covering short-term?

Liability insurance specifically covering short-term rentals is required for the CO.

What are the permit fees in Odessa?

The CO requires an annual renewal affidavit and fee.

Short-Term Rental Laws in Odessa, TX

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Summary

Short-term rentals in Odessa require a Certificate of Occupancy and are strictly prohibited in single-family residential zones.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Residential STRs prohibited
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

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.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$100

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

•Odessa prohibits STRs in the following zones: SF-E, SF-1, SF-2, SF-3, SF-4.
•Odessa does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Odessa allows STRs in the following property types: Multi-family, Condo, Apartment, Commercial conversion.
•Odessa allows STRs in the following zones: MF-1, MF-2, CB-1, CB-2, LC, HC, GR.

Requirements(8)

•Odessa STR warning: The CO requires an annual renewal affidavit and fee.
•Odessa STR warning: Certificate of Occupancy must be displayed prominently inside the unit.
•Odessa STR warning: Liability insurance specifically covering short-term rentals is required for the CO.
•Odessa STR warning: Strict prohibition in Single-Family Residence Districts (SF-1 to SF-4).

Application Process(6)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Odessa: 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. Documents needed: Property Address. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://www.odessa-tx.gov/240/Zoning Step 2: Pass Building and Fire Inspections - Schedule inspections with the Building Official and Fire Marshal. Properties hosting more than 10 people must have emergency exit lighting and fire alarm systems. Documents needed: Proof of Insurance, Floor Plan. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. Cost: $50. More info: https://www.odessa-tx.gov/157/Building-Inspections Step 3: Obtain Certificate of Occupancy - 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. Documents needed: Inspection reports, Completed application. Estimated time: 1 week. Cost: $100. More info: https://www.odessa-tx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/184 Step 4: Register for Tax Collection - Obtain a Texas Sales Tax Permit and register with both the City and Ector County to remit the combined 15% occupancy tax. Documents needed: FEIN or SSN, Business Name. Estimated time: 2 weeks. More info: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/hotel/

Fees & Costs(1)

•Odessa charges a registration fee of $100 (annual).

Taxes(3)

•Ector County charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 0.02%.
•Texas charges a state-level Transient Occupancy Tax of 0.06%.
•Odessa charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 0.07%.

Limits & Restrictions(1)

•Odessa limits STRs to a maximum of 2 vehicles.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Odessa requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted emergency contact, parking, trash plan, noise restrictions (Outdoor events prohibited after 10 PM).

Penalties(1)

•Odessa enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First violation: Variable fine for operating without CO. Subsequent violations: Suspension from hosting.

Exemptions(1)

•Odessa exempts the following from STR regulations: hotels and motels, long-term stays (30+ days), Stays 30+ consecutive days are exempt from HOT.

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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

Odessa

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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(4)

Requirements(8)

Application Process(6)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(1)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(1)

Exemptions(1)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Odessa

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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 Odessa?

2Are short-term rentals allowed in residential areas in Odessa?

3What is the TOT tax rate in Odessa?

4What inspections are required for Odessa STRs?

5How often must I renew my Odessa STR permit?

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