Short-Term Rental Regulations
in San Marcos, TX

Airbnb listings are allowed in San Marcos, TX, but with restrictions. STRs are restricted by zone: Type 1 (residential) is limited to one per block or 660 feet with mandatory neighbor notification within 400 feet, while Type 2 (non-residential) has no such caps. Occupancy is limited to two adults per bedroom plus two additional adults (max 6 total), and operators must provide a 24/7 local contact with a 60-minute response time. 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 zone: Type 1 (residential) is limited to one per block or 660 feet with mandatory neighbor notification within 400 feet, while Type 2 (non-residential) has no such caps. Occupancy is limited to two adults per bedroom plus two additional adults (max 6 total), and operators must provide a 24/7 local contact with a 60-minute response time.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in San Marcos. 1. Register via the online Short-Term Rental Portal, submitting required documents including floor plans, parking sketches, and proof of Hotel Occupancy Tax registration. 2. Pay the applicable permit fees. 3. Schedule and pass a safety inspection by contacting Code Compliance. Permits must be renewed annually.

1. Register via the online Short-Term Rental Portal, submitting required documents including floor plans, parking sketches, and proof of Hotel Occupancy Tax registration. 2. Pay the applicable permit fees. 3. Schedule and pass a safety inspection by contacting Code Compliance. Permits must be renewed annually.

Vrbo is permitted in San Marcos, 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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.