Do I need a Short-Term Rental permit if I'm not currently renting?

A STR permit is required if you are actively advertising a short-term rental, even if there are no available dates on the calendar. Rentals advertised for stays of more than 30 consecutive days or more do not require a license.

Who can apply for an STR permit?

Only someone with ownership of the dwelling to be used for a STR or a representative of such person can apply for a permit.

How does a person apply for an STR permit?

Applications for STR permits will be accepted in the Development Services office until June 2023 when all applications will be accepted online. Applicants will be required to certify and provide verification that they meet the requirements for STRs. Use this link to apply. 

What is the fee for obtaining an STR permit? Does a permit need to be renewed?

An application fee of $600.00 dollars per address will be assessed for individual STR permit applications. STR permits expire one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed on time with a renewal fee of $600.00 dollars to avoid fines. STR permits can be renewed up to 60 days prior to expiration.

Do STR units require in-person inspections?

No. However, permits must certify under penalty of perjury that their STR has a functioning type A fire extinguisher and working smoke detectors in accordance with adopted codes. Inspection may be required if the Department has a reason for concern that the permitted premises of the STR may not be compliant with Fire, Building, or Zoning requirements.

Does a host have to be present during STR stay or be the primary resident?

No. However, hosts are required to leave information for guests that includes appropriate contact information and instructions on city services. Additionally, the name and contact information of a Local Responsible Party who is listed as part of the permit application and can respond with 1 hour.

Can I rent out additional structures, campers, RVs or trailers on my property?

No. Only the residential dwelling can be rented.

The STR ordinance also explicitly states that STRs do not include rental of a dwelling unit for a premise that is used for a nonresidential purpose, including an educational, health care, retail, restaurant, banquet space or event center purpose or another similar use; a bed-and-breakfast as defined in the City’s Zoning Ordinance; or a hotel. Only one rental contract may be allowed at a time in any STR.

Is an active alarm system required in an STR?

No.

Are STR permits transferable?

No. 

Why does the city permit STRs?

The City of Horseshoe Bay recognizes the fact that STRs are widely operating today as a popular home-sharing practice for our residents. Permits allow the City to provide a regulatory environment that allows the popular practice to continue, while focusing on responsibility and accountability among operators and limiting the impact on neighborhoods and the availability of housing for residents.

How can an STR permit be revoked or denied?

An STR permit can be revoked, and an application for a new or renewed permit can be denied if STR dwelling unit is found to be adversely affecting the public health, safety, or welfare of the immediate neighborhood in which the property is located.

Is there a limit on the number of STR rentals allowed in the City or how many a person may own?

There is no limit on the total number of STR operating in the city or how many an owner can own. Each STR requires a separate permit.

What are the penalties of not getting a STR permit?

It is a violation of the City of Horseshoe Bay Municipal Code to operate an STR without a permit, which can result in fines of up to $200.00 per day for the first violation, $400.00 per day for the second violation, and $650.00 per day for the third violation.   

When it comes to knowing when you should contact the City to obtain a permit, the basic rules are that if your project will add, alter, repair, remove, enlarge, modify, or replace electrical, HVAC, plumbing, structural elements, weather barriers (roof, siding, windows), or accessory structures (pool, fence, boat house, etc.) then you must obtain a permit from the Development Services Department.  

Please visit the Development Services Permits page for more information!

The City of Horseshoe Bay provides courtesy information to assist you by sharing access to your private restrictions and policies governing improvements to your property on the Subdivision Architectural Standards Guidelines (ACC's) page.  

1. Call one of the fire stations in the City of Horseshoe Bay to request a burn permit. Station 1 by City Hall can be reached at 830-598-6953 and Station 2 in Horseshoe Bay West can be reached at 830-596-2808.
2. Ensure you do not have any illegal materials to burn. If you do, remove them or you will be denied your permit. 
3. Provide your name, address, and phone number to the on-duty crew in case they cannot accommodate the request for the permit at the designated time.
4. Crews will come out and inspect the burn pile and if all requirements are met, they will issue you a copy of a burn permit.
5. Requests for burn permits are accepted from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. daily for same day burns only. No extended burns taking more than 2 days will be allowed on one permit.
   ***Special event stipulations (weather events typically) can be approved by the Chiefs.
6. If you are caught burning without a permit, you can be fined.
7. The fire officials have the right to issue stop burning notices to those issued due to drastic changes in weather or issuance of burn bans.

Development Services, at 830-598-9959, handles all permitting. When plans reviews and inspections are ready, coordination will be passed through Development Services to the Fire Department, which will contact you with scheduling a date and time. Do not call the Fire Department first, as this will only delay the process.

Click here to view the Peddlers and Vendors permit application.