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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Wimberley, TX

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are not a permitted use by-right in any zone and require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Operators must comply with septic capacity limits, parking requirements, noise mitigation, and dark-sky lighting ordinances; specific conditions like maximum occupancy are set by City Council during the CUP approval process.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application to the Planning Department with a site plan, survey, deed copy, and $650 fee. 2) Attend public hearings before the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council; the city will notify neighbors within 200 feet and publish a legal notice. 3) Upon approval, register with HdL Lodging Tax to remit the 7% city Hotel Occupancy Tax.

Regulatory Updates — Wimberley

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedMarch 2025

CUP Application Review Process Overhauled

Wimberley overhauled its CUP application review, adding mandatory neighbor notification, a public hearing component, and an annual renewal review where neighbors can re-raise objections — making ongoing compliance more challenging.

Under ReviewAugust 2024

STR Density Study Commissioned for Blanco River Corridor

Following a surge of STR applications along the Blanco River, Wimberley commissioned a study on STR density impacts on water quality, traffic, and neighborhood character to inform potential zoning overlay restrictions.

PassedApril 2024

Enforcement Crackdown on Unpermitted STRs

Wimberley partnered with Hays County to identify and fine unpermitted STRs using short-term listing platform data, resulting in dozens of cease-and-desist orders to operators without active CUPs.

Official Resources

Official Wimberley STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing advocacy and model ordinance resources for vacation rental professionals in Texas Hill Country markets.

Texas Vacation Rental AllianceStatewide

Texas-focused advocacy group monitoring Wimberley and Hays County STR ordinances, providing operator resources and pushing back on CUP requirements as an overreach.

Wimberley Valley Chamber of CommerceLocal

Local business organization representing Wimberley's tourism economy, including the vacation rental operators who drive significant visitor spending in Hays County.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Wimberley, TX?
STRs are not a permitted use by-right in any zone and require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Operators must comply with septic capacity limits, parking requirements, noise mitigation, and dark-sky lighting ordinances; specific conditions like maximum occupancy are set by City Council during the CUP approval process.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Wimberley?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Wimberley. 1) Submit a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application to the Planning Department with a site plan, survey, deed copy, and $650 fee. 2) Attend public hearings before the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council; the city will notify neighbors within 200 feet and publish a legal notice. 3) Upon approval, register with HdL Lodging Tax to remit the 7% city Hotel Occupancy Tax.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Wimberley?
1) Submit a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application to the Planning Department with a site plan, survey, deed copy, and $650 fee. 2) Attend public hearings before the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council; the city will notify neighbors within 200 feet and publish a legal notice. 3) Upon approval, register with HdL Lodging Tax to remit the 7% city Hotel Occupancy Tax.
Why does Wimberley require a CUP when most Texas cities don't?
Wimberley chose a CUP-based approach to give neighbors and the city individual control over each STR, rather than allowing them by-right in all zones. This reflects strong local opposition to STR growth in residential areas and is unusual for Texas but not legally prohibited.
Can my CUP be revoked after it's issued?
Yes. Wimberley's overhauled CUP process includes annual renewal reviews where neighbors can re-raise objections. A pattern of noise complaints, code violations, or occupancy breaches can trigger a renewal denial or permit revocation.
What happens if I operate without a CUP in Wimberley?
Operating an STR without an active CUP is a code violation. Wimberley uses short-term listing platform data to identify unpermitted operators and issues cease-and-desist orders. Fines escalate for continued operation, and a violation record can make future CUP approval harder.
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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