Wichita Falls's Short-Term Rentals: The Rules That Matter

If you live in Wichita Falls 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. Wichita Falls has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Short-Term Rental Permits

Wichita Falls regulates short-term rentals through its zoning ordinance. STR operators should verify their property's zoning allows short-term rental use and comply with applicable registration and tax requirements.

Key details: Zoning: Must be in permitted zone. Taxes: Hotel occupancy tax applies. Contact: Planning Department for requirements. Enforcement: Code Compliance Division.

Operating an STR in a zone that does not permit transient lodging may result in code enforcement action and orders to cease operations.

Wichita Falls is more permissive than most cities when it comes to short-term rental permits. That said, there are still limits.

Noise Rules

STR guests in Wichita Falls must comply with the city's general noise ordinance. Operators are responsible for informing guests of noise rules and ensuring rental properties do not become a source of neighborhood disturbance.

Key details: Standard: City noise ordinance applies to guests. Operator Duty: Inform guests of noise rules. Repeated Issues: May trigger enforcement against property. Hours: Nighttime especially enforced.

Noise violations by STR guests are subject to the same penalties as other residents. Chronic noise issues may affect the operator's ability to continue STR operations.

Wichita Falls is more permissive than most cities when it comes to noise rules. That said, there are still limits.

Taxes & Fees

Wichita Falls imposes a hotel occupancy tax on short-term rental stays of 30 days or fewer. Operators must register, collect the tax from guests, and remit it to the city on a regular basis.

Key details: Tax: Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT). Applies To: Stays of 30 days or fewer. Registration: Required with Finance Department. State Tax: Also applies: remit to TX Comptroller.

Failure to collect or remit hotel occupancy tax may result in back taxes, penalties, interest, and potential legal action.

The rules around taxes & fees in Wichita Falls lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Short-Term Rental Parking Rules

STR guests in Wichita Falls must comply with residential parking regulations. Operators should provide adequate off-street parking or inform guests of street parking rules to minimize impact on neighbors.

Key details: Guest Parking: Must comply with city parking rules. Off-Street: Recommended where available. Front Yard: No parking on unpaved surfaces. Blocking: Sidewalks and hydrants prohibited.

Vehicles parked in violation of city parking regulations may be cited or towed. Chronic parking issues at STR properties may contribute to enforcement action.

The rules around short-term rental parking rules in Wichita Falls lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Wichita Falls gives residents more room on short-term rentals. 4 of the 4 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

Keep in mind that Wichita Falls can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.