In Galveston, Texas, short-term rentals (STRs) are legally permitted and regulated primarily by the Galveston Park Board of Trustees under Ordinance 15-012. This ordinance requires property owners to register their rentals and collect a 9% Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT). STRs, which include vacation homes, condos, and certain other residential properties, thrive due to the area's appeal to tourists, particularly families seeking beach access, historical attractions, and a vibrant local culture. The local market is predominantly tourist-driven, particularly during peak seasons, although some properties cater to business travelers due to the island's events and conventions. The registration fee is $250, and properties must be renewed annually. Compliance is monitored strictly, with penalties for violations potentially resulting in fines up to $500. For more information about short-term rental regulations and registration, visit the official sites of the City of Galveston here and the Galveston Park Board here.
A combined Hotel Occupancy Tax and State Hotel Occupancy Tax of 15%
Yes, there is a noise regulation for short-term rentals in Galveston, Texas. The noise ordinance prohibits any sound that is louder than 63 decibels on property zoned as residential, and 72 decibels on industrial-zoned property. The noise ordinance is in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Yes, there are building, health and safety regulations
Yes, there are regulations on hosting events or parties in short-term rentals (STRs) in Galveston, Texas. These regulations are designed to protect the peace and quiet of the Galveston community and to prevent STRs from becoming nuisance properties.
The following regulations apply to hosting events or parties in STRs in Galveston:
- Noise: Events or parties cannot generate noise that is louder than 63 decibels on property zoned as residential, and 72 decibels on industrial-zoned property. The noise ordinance is in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Parking: STR hosts must provide guests with enough parking spaces to accommodate their event or party.
- Trash: STR hosts are responsible for disposing of all trash generated by their event or party in a proper manner.
- Neighbors: STR hosts must notify their neighbors of any event or party that they plan to host.
Yes, a license number is required for advertisement
Yes, there is a parking requirement for short-term rentals in Galveston, Texas. Short-term rental hosts must provide at least one off-street parking space for each bedroom in their rental unit.
Yes, there is a neighborhood notification requirement for short-term rentals in Galveston, Texas. Short-term rental hosts must notify all property owners within 200 feet of their rental unit of their intent to operate a short-term rental. The notification must be in writing and must be sent at least 14 days before the short-term rental host begins operating their short-term rental.
The notification must include the following information:
- The address of the short-term rental unit
- The contact information of the short-term rental host
- The type of short-term rental (e.g., Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.)
- The maximum number of guests that the short-term rental unit can accommodate
- The dates and times that the short-term rental unit will be available
Yes, there is an emergency contact information requirement for short-term rentals in Galveston, Texas. Short-term rental hosts must provide their guests with emergency contact information, including the following:
- The name and phone number of the short-term rental host
- The name and phone number of a local emergency contact person (such as a friend, family member, or neighbor)
- The phone number of the Galveston Police Department (409-763-8631)
- The phone number of the Galveston Fire Department (409-763-8621)
Yes, there are waste disposal regulations for short-term rentals in many jurisdictions. These regulations vary from place to place, but they typically cover the following topics:
- Waste disposal requirements: Short-term rental hosts are typically required to provide their guests with access to waste disposal bins and to ensure that the waste is disposed of properly. This may involve sorting the waste into different types, such as recyclables, compostables, and general waste.
- Waste collection: Short-term rental hosts may be required to arrange for regular waste collection from their rental units. This may involve contracting with a private waste collection company or using the municipal waste collection service.
- Hazardous waste: Short-term rental hosts are typically responsible for disposing of hazardous waste from their rental units properly. This may involve taking the hazardous waste to a special collection facility or hiring a hazardous waste disposal company.
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