Corpus Christi, TX Accessory Structures: ADU Rental Restrictions (2026)

Long-term rental (30 days or more) of an ADU is permitted in Corpus Christi provided the property owner continues to occupy either the principal dwelling or the ADU as required by the Special Permit condition under UDC Article 1.10 and the recorded deed restriction. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are regulated under Corpus Christi's short-term rental ordinance, which requires every STR to: register annually with the city and obtain a permit; collect and remit the 9% Hotel Occupancy Tax (2% state plus 7% city under Texas Tax Code Chapter 351); maintain a local responsible party available 24/7; satisfy fire and safety inspection through the Fire Marshal; and provide minimum off-street parking. Padre Island and North Padre Island, where the bulk of vacation rentals operate near Mustang Island State Park and Bob Hall Pier, receive heightened enforcement attention. ADUs typically cannot operate as standalone STRs unless the property's Special Permit specifically authorizes ADU short-term rental — most ADU Special Permits in single-family RS districts limit use to long-term residential. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 250 limits some local STR restrictions but does not preempt registration, taxation, or safety regulation. Corpus Christi contracts with monitoring services to track Airbnb and VRBO listings against the permit roll.