What zoning rules apply to STRs in Waco?

Type II (non-owner occupied) rentals are prohibited in most residential zones (R-E, R-1) as of 2021.

What should Waco hosts know about street parking for guests is?

Street parking for guests is strictly prohibited; one off-street space is required per bedroom.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Waco?

A 500-foot buffer distance is required between Type II rentals in R-E, R-1, and R-2 zones.

What are the key requirements for Waco hosts?

Licenses must be renewed every two years with proof of tax payments.

Short-Term Rental Laws in Waco, TX

Verified Verification

100%

Verified against official sources

Verified: Feb 4, 2026

2 Official Sources

Summary

Short-term rentals in Waco are subject to a strict licensing and zoning regime, including a permanent prohibition on non-owner-occupied (Type II) rentals in many residential districts.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Banned in all/most residential zones
•Standard permit fee: $150
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an STR in Waco, you must obtain a city license and, depending on your property's location, a Special Permit which can take 60-90 days for approval. Non-owner-occupied rentals are largely restricted to commercial zones and are prohibited in most single-family residential areas. All hosts must pass a life safety inspection and collect a combined 15% in occupancy taxes.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

365/year

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$150

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Waco: Type II (non-owner occupied) rentals are prohibited in most residential zones (R-E, R-1) as of 2021.
•Waco prohibits STRs in the following property types: Multi-family in certain zones, Non-owner occupied in R-1.
•Waco does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements(8)

•Waco STR warning: Type II (non-owner occupied) rentals are prohibited in most residential zones (R-E, R-1) as of 2021.

Application Process(7)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Waco: Step 1: Verify Zoning and Category - Determine your STR category (Type I, II, III, or B&B) and check the City of Waco Interactive Zoning Map to see if the use is permitted by right or requires a Special Permit. Documents needed: Zoning map. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://www.waco-texas.com/Departments/Development-Services/Planning-Zoning/Short-Term-Rentals Step 2: Obtain Special Permit (if required) - If required by zoning, apply for a Short-Term Rental Special Permit through the Planning Department. This involves a public hearing and City Council approval. Documents needed: Site plan, Floor plan. Estimated time: 60-90 days. More info: https://www.waco-texas.com/Departments/Development-Services/Planning-Zoning/Short-Term-Rentals Step 3: Submit STR License Application - Complete the online application via the Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal. Include site plans, parking dimensions, and proof of ownership. Documents needed: Site plan, Floor plan, Evacuation plan, Proof of ownership, Proof of insurance. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 150. More info: https://wacotx-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice/ Step 4: Pass Life Safety Inspection - Schedule a safety inspection with Development Services to verify smoke detectors, CO detectors, and fire extinguishers are in place. Documents needed: Inspection checklist. Estimated time: 1 week. Cost: 50. More info: https://www.waco-texas.com/Departments/Development-Services/Planning-Zoning/Short-Term-Rentals Step 5: Register for Hotel Occupancy Tax - Register with Avenu Insights & Analytics to remit city and county taxes, and with the Texas Comptroller for state taxes. Documents needed: Taxpayer ID. Estimated time: 1 week. More info: https://www.hoteltaxonline.com/

Fees & Costs(1)

•Waco charges a registration fee of $150.

Taxes(3)

•Waco charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 0.07%.
•McLennan County charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 0.02%.
•Waco: Licenses must be renewed every two years with proof of tax payments.

Limits & Restrictions(2)

•Waco limits STRs to a maximum of 12 guests.
•Waco limits STRs to 365 nights per year.

Safety Requirements(1)

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

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Unlock: 5-Step Application Guide

Get step-by-step application guides and access to all 51+ markets.

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

Waco

Verified Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Create a free account

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(8)

Application Process(7)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(2)

Safety Requirements(1)

Create a free account

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Texas Markets

Dallas

Rockport

El Paso

Frisco

Waco

Verified 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 Waco?

2What are the occupancy tax requirements in Waco?

3Are there restrictions on non-owner-occupied rentals in Waco?

4How long does the Waco STR permit process take?

5What is the maximum number of nights I can rent my property?

Related Content

Other Texas Markets

Dallas

Rockport

El Paso

Frisco