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Baytown

Texas · United States
Active
Last updated: 2026-07-24  ·  Last verified: 2026-07-24  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Baytown Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusPermitted with registration
Permit / License RequiredYes — $350 annual permit
Tax Rate7% hotel-motel occupancy tax must be collected and remitted
Night / Day Cap30 days maximum stay per booking
Minimum StayMaximum 30 days (stays over 30 days excluded from STR rules)
Permit Fee$350 annual permit fee; Fire Marshal inspection required at each renewal
PenaltiesNot specified in available sources
Primary Residence RequiredNo — not specified in ordinance
Occupancy LimitMaximum 10 people
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Baytown Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Baytown Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations in Baytown, Texas are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — $350 annual permit. The associated permit fees are $350 annual permit fee; Fire Marshal inspection required at each renewal.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Baytown

Short-term rental operators in Baytown should be aware of these tax obligations: 7% hotel-motel occupancy tax must be collected and remitted. Yes — 7% hotel-motel occupancy tax registration required.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Baytown

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Baytown include: Primary residence requirement: No — not specified in ordinance. Rental day cap: 30 days maximum stay per booking. Occupancy limit: Maximum 10 people. Minimum stay: Maximum 30 days (stays over 30 days excluded from STR rules).

Zoning and Location Requirements in Baytown

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Baytown: Parking requirements tied to bedroom count. Density rules: None specified.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Baytown

Hosts who fail to comply with Baytown's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Not specified in available sources.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Active
License / Registration
Yes — $350 annual permit
Tax Registration
Yes — 7% hotel-motel occupancy tax registration required
Permit Fee
$350 annual permit fee; Fire Marshal inspection required at each renewal
Primary Residence Rule
No — not specified in ordinance
Night / Day Cap
30 days maximum stay per booking
Occupancy Limit
Maximum 10 people
Tax Rate
7% hotel-motel occupancy tax must be collected and remitted
Zoning Restrictions
Parking requirements tied to bedroom count
Minimum Stay
Maximum 30 days (stays over 30 days excluded from STR rules)
Density Rules
None specified
Compliance Notes
Baytown STR operators must now obtain a $350 annual permit and pass a Fire Marshal inspection at each renewal. A designated local contact must be reachable 24 hours a day and must be located within 50 miles of the property. Occupancy is capped at 10 guests and stays may not exceed 30 days. Hosts are required to collect and remit Baytown's 7% hotel-motel occupancy tax on all qualifying bookings.
Effective Date
2026-07-09
Key Notes
• $350 annual permit + Fire Marshal inspection at each renewal. • 24/7 local contact required within 50 miles; respond to complaints promptly. • Max 10 occupants; max 30-day stay per booking. • 7% hotel-motel occupancy tax must be collected.
Penalties
Not specified in available sources
Additional Context
Residents at a July 8 town hall demanded an outright ban rather than regulation, citing noise, parking, and safety concerns. Councilman James Franco signaled openness to stronger zoning-based prohibitions. The approved regulations are more permissive than residents sought; further tightening is possible. Source: STRisker Daily Regulatory Notes July 13, 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Baytown?

Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Baytown with proper registration and permits. Baytown STR operators must now obtain a $350 annual permit and pass a Fire Marshal inspection at each renewal. A designated local contact must be reachable 24 hours a day and must be located within 50

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Baytown?

Yes. Baytown requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — $350 annual permit.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Baytown?

Short-term rental hosts in Baytown are subject to the following tax obligations: 7% hotel-motel occupancy tax must be collected and remitted.

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Baytown?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Baytown may face enforcement. Not specified in available sources.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Baytown?

• $350 annual permit + Fire Marshal inspection at each renewal. • 24/7 local contact required within 50 miles; respond to complaints promptly. • Max 10 occupants; max 30-day stay per booking. • 7% hotel-motel occupancy tax must be collected.

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