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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Gainesville, TX

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are allowed only via issuance of a Special Use Permit (SUP) in applicable zoning districts; SUP applications must specify STR location, contact information, and type (owner-occupied or not). SUPs are subject to applicable Building and Fire Codes, require a Certificate of Occupancy to operate, and may include conditions (e.g., revocation upon sale) imposed by Council.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a Special Use Permit application to the City’s Community Development/Planning & Zoning department including a completed application, site plan/survey, parking information, and a tax certificate; include STR location, contact, and type. 2) Pay the SUP application fee (General Request: $600 stated) and undergo the approval process which requires two public hearings (Planning & Zoning and City Council) with an approximate 60-day timeline. 3) If SUP is approved, obtain a Certificate of Occupancy and comply with all applicable Building and Fire Codes.

Official Resources

Official Gainesville STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Gainesville, TX?
Short-term rentals are allowed only via issuance of a Special Use Permit (SUP) in applicable zoning districts; SUP applications must specify STR location, contact information, and type (owner-occupied or not). SUPs are subject to applicable Building and Fire Codes, require a Certificate of Occupancy to operate, and may include conditions (e.g., revocation upon sale) imposed by Council.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Gainesville?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Gainesville. 1) Submit a Special Use Permit application to the City’s Community Development/Planning & Zoning department including a completed application, site plan/survey, parking information, and a tax certificate; include STR location, contact, and type. 2) Pay the SUP application fee (General Request: $600 stated) and undergo the approval process which requires two public hearings (Planning & Zoning and City Council) with an approximate 60-day timeline. 3) If SUP is approved, obtain a Certificate of Occupancy and comply with all applicable Building and Fire Codes.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Gainesville?
1) Submit a Special Use Permit application to the City’s Community Development/Planning & Zoning department including a completed application, site plan/survey, parking information, and a tax certificate; include STR location, contact, and type. 2) Pay the SUP application fee (General Request: $600 stated) and undergo the approval process which requires two public hearings (Planning & Zoning and City Council) with an approximate 60-day timeline. 3) If SUP is approved, obtain a Certificate of Occupancy and comply with all applicable Building and Fire Codes.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction