Short-Term Rental Regulations
in McLennan County, TX

Airbnb listings are allowed in McLennan County, TX, but with restrictions. STRs are restricted by zoning; some categories require a Special Permit from the Plan Commission and City Council. Occupancy is limited to 2 adults per bedroom plus 2 additional adults per unit. Guests are prohibited from street parking (1 off-street space required per room), and a local 'Designated Operator' living in McLennan County is required if the owner is non-resident. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

STRs are restricted by zoning; some categories require a Special Permit from the Plan Commission and City Council. Occupancy is limited to 2 adults per bedroom plus 2 additional adults per unit. Guests are prohibited from street parking (1 off-street space required per room), and a local 'Designated Operator' living in McLennan County is required if the owner is non-resident.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in McLennan County. 1. Submit an online application via the City of Waco Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal including a site plan and parking details. 2. Pay the required fees and schedule a life-safety inspection. 3. Obtain a Special Permit if required by zoning (takes 60-90 days). Licenses are valid for two years.

1. Submit an online application via the City of Waco Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal including a site plan and parking details. 2. Pay the required fees and schedule a life-safety inspection. 3. Obtain a Special Permit if required by zoning (takes 60-90 days). Licenses are valid for two years.

Vrbo is permitted in McLennan County, TX under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in McLennan County are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for McLennan County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.