How Round Rock Handles Short-Term Rentals: A Practical Guide

Round Rock maintains 38 local ordinances across all categories, and 6 of those deal specifically with short-term rentals. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Round Rock falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Occupancy Limits

Round Rock does not publish a fixed numeric occupancy cap per bedroom for short-term rentals. STR applicants must submit a detailed floor plan showing sleeping arrangements and proposed occupancy as part of the Temporary Use Permit (TUP), which is reviewed case-by-case by the Zoning Administrator.

Key details: Numeric Per-Bedroom Cap: None published — set per application. Floor Plan Required: Yes — sleeping arrangements and occupancy. Permit: Temporary Use Permit (TUP). Application Fee: $50. Authority: Ordinance 20160223-A.1; Zoning Admin..

Operating an STR without an approved TUP, or exceeding the occupancy approved on the floor plan, can result in revocation of the permit and Class C misdemeanor citations up to $2,000 per day under city enforcement.

Insurance Requirements

Round Rock requires STR applicants to submit proof of liability insurance with the Temporary Use Permit application. The city does not publish a minimum dollar amount; coverage is reviewed for adequacy by the Zoning Administrator.

Key details: Liability Insurance: Required — proof submitted with TUP. Published Minimum Amount: None published. Permit: Temporary Use Permit. Application Fee: $50. Contact: Planning & Development Services.

Operating an STR without active liability coverage, or letting a required policy lapse, can result in denial or revocation of the Temporary Use Permit and city enforcement action up to $2,000 per day for unpermitted operation.

Taxes & Fees

STR operators in Round Rock must collect Texas state Hotel Occupancy Tax (6%) plus Round Rock's local HOT. Combined tax applies to all rentals under 30 days.

Key details: State HOT: 6% (TX H&S Code §156). Local HOT: Additional city rate applies. Registration: TX Comptroller + Round Rock Finance. Applies To: Stays under 30 consecutive days.

Failure to collect/remit HOT results in back taxes plus penalty of 15% and interest. Criminal penalties possible for willful evasion.

Parking Rules

Round Rock applies standard residential parking rules to STR properties. Guest vehicles must not block driveways, sidewalks, or fire hydrants. Street parking follows city-wide rules.

Key details: STR-Specific Parking Rule: None — standard residential rules apply. Street Parking: Permitted unless posted. Prohibited: Sidewalk, yard, blocking driveways. Enforcement: Code Enforcement / RPD.

Parking violations: fines per Round Rock parking code. Chronic parking issues at STR can affect license renewal.

Permit Requirements

Round Rock requires short-term rental operators to obtain a STR license, typically priced around $150/year. Rentals must comply with the zoning code and register with the city for HOT tax collection.

Key details: License Required: Yes — annual STR license. License Fee: ~$150/year. HOT Registration: Required — Finance Dept.. Code Authority: Zoning Code & Finance Regs..

Operating without a license: fines up to $2,000 per day of violation. Back HOT taxes plus penalties may also be assessed.

Noise Rules

Short-term rental guests in Round Rock are subject to the same noise ordinance as permanent residents. Quiet hours of 10 PM–7 AM (Sun–Thu) apply. STR license holders are responsible for guest compliance.

Key details: Quiet Hours (Sun–Thu): 10 PM – 7 AM. Quiet Hours (Fri–Sat): 10 PM – 8 AM. Host Responsibility: Yes — for guest compliance. Enforcement: Police / Code Enforcement.

Noise violations: Class C misdemeanor up to $2,000. Repeat violations at STR properties may result in license suspension.

The Bottom Line

Round Rock'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 Round Rock is broadly strict or permissive.

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