Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Waco, TX

Airbnb listings are allowed in Waco, TX, but with restrictions. Waco defines five STR categories with occupancy limits of 2 adults per bedroom plus two per unit. Requirements include a 500-foot separation in certain residential zones, no on-street guest parking, and a mandatory 'Designated Operator' residing in McLennan County for out-of-county owners. 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.

Waco defines five STR categories with occupancy limits of 2 adults per bedroom plus two per unit. Requirements include a 500-foot separation in certain residential zones, no on-street guest parking, and a mandatory 'Designated Operator' residing in McLennan County for out-of-county owners.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Waco. 1) Submit an online application via the Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal with a site plan and proof of tax compliance. 2) Pay fees and pass a mandatory Life Safety Inspection. 3) Obtain a Special Permit if required by zoning before the final license is issued (valid for two years).

1) Submit an online application via the Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal with a site plan and proof of tax compliance. 2) Pay fees and pass a mandatory Life Safety Inspection. 3) Obtain a Special Permit if required by zoning before the final license is issued (valid for two years).

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