Short-Term Rentals in Mission, TX: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Mission or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Mission has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Occupancy Limits

Mission has no published STR-specific occupancy cap. Maximum occupancy is set by the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) bedroom-area rules and the city's adopted building / fire codes. Stays under 30 days are 'hotel' use under Texas Tax Code Ch. 156 (6% state HOT) and Ch. 351 (city HOT, max 7%).

Key details: Dedicated STR Occupancy Cap: None published. Sleeping-Room Minimum: 70 sq ft for first occupant + 50 sq ft each additional (IPMC 404.4.1). State HOT: 6% under Texas Tax Code Ch. 156 (stays under 30 days). City HOT Cap: Up to 7% under Texas Tax Code Ch. 351. Mission Local HOT Rate: Confirm with City Finance / City Hall: 956-580-8650.

Property-maintenance citations and Certificate of Occupancy enforcement for overcrowding; assessment of unpaid 6% state HOT plus penalties and interest by the Texas Comptroller; assessment of unpaid local HOT, plus interest, by the City of Mission.

Parking Rules

Mission has no published STR-specific parking rule. STR guests use the off-street parking required for the underlying residential use under the Mission Zoning Ordinance plus on-street parking governed by Mission's traffic regulations. Confirm space counts and on-street restrictions with the Planning Department at 956-580-8672.

Key details: Dedicated STR Parking Rule: None published - underlying zoning controls. Governing Code: Mission Zoning Ordinance (Appendix A) - Off-Street Parking provisions. On-Street Parking: Mission Code traffic provisions; HOA / subdivision rules may add limits. Planning Department: 956-580-8672. Code Enforcement: 956-580-8697.

Parking citations under Mission's traffic ordinance; tow-and-impound for blocked driveways or fire lanes; zoning notices of violation if the STR's on-site parking falls below what the underlying residential zone requires.

Noise Rules

Mission has no published short-term-rental-specific noise ordinance. STR guests are governed by the citywide noise rules in the Mission Code of Ordinances and by Texas Penal Code Sec. 42.01(a)(5) (disorderly conduct - unreasonable noise). Operators should set quiet hours by house rule and confirm current local thresholds with Code Enforcement at 956-580-8697.

Key details: Dedicated STR Noise Rule: None published - citywide noise ordinance applies. State Backstop: Texas Penal Code Sec. 42.01(a)(5) - unreasonable noise. State Preemption of City STR Rules: None - Texas has not preempted local STR regulation. Home Rule: Yes - Mission is a Texas home-rule city. Code Enforcement: 956-580-8697.

Citywide noise / nuisance citations issued by Mission Code Enforcement; Class C misdemeanor disorderly-conduct charge under Texas Penal Code Sec. 42.01 (fines up to $500 per offense); platform delisting after repeated complaints.

Permit Requirements

Mission may require business registration and compliance with zoning for STR operations. Check with Mission Planning & Zoning for current permit requirements.

Key details: Code: Mission Code / Appendix A – Zoning. Process: Verify STR allowance in zoning district. Contact: Mission City Hall Planning Dept. State Law: TX Local Gov't Code §250.006.

Operating without a permit carries fines of $500 per day. Failure to display the permit number on listings results in a $250 fine. Permits may be revoked after three substantiated complaints within 12 months.

Taxes & Fees

STR hosts must collect and remit the 6% Texas state Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT). Local HOT may also apply. Register with TX Comptroller's Office.

Key details: State HOT: 6% — remit to TX Comptroller. Local HOT: Mission may levy additional HOT. Registration: TX Comptroller hotel tax permit. State Law: TX Tax Code §156.

Failure to collect or remit occupancy taxes carries penalties of 10% of the unpaid amount per month, plus interest. Operating without tax registration may result in back-tax assessments plus fines.

The Bottom Line

Mission's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Mission is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Mission's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.