Short-Term Rentals in Willis, TX

If you live in Willis 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. Willis has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Occupancy Limits

Willis has not adopted a dedicated short-term rental ordinance setting per-bedroom guest caps, even though it sits in a heavy Lake Conroe vacation-rental market. Occupancy is governed indirectly by the city-adopted 2024 International Code Council family of codes and general single-household zoning rules.

Key details: Dedicated STR Cap: None in city code. Indirect Limit: 2024 IBC/IPMC overcrowding. City HOT Rate: 7% (Ch. 351 max). State HOT: 6% (Tax Code Ch. 156). Permit Office: (936) 856-4611.

Because Willis has no dedicated STR per-bedroom cap, enforcement relies on adopted IBC/IPMC overcrowding standards. Violations may result in code-enforcement notices and Class C municipal court fines up to $500 per offense per day under Texas Local Government Code Section 54.001.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Willis gives residents more flexibility on occupancy limits.

Noise Rules

STR guests in Willis must comply with §92.21 Sound Nuisance Prohibited. No separate STR-specific noise rules exist. Willis Police respond to disturbance calls at any property.

Key details: STR-Specific Rules: None. Governing Rule: §92.21 nuisance standard. Enforcement: Willis Police Department. Topic: Noise Rules.

§92.21 noise nuisance citations. §92.99 penalty provisions apply.

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

Short-Term Rental Parking Rules

STR guests in Willis must comply with city parking rules under applicable traffic and zoning provisions. Texas Transportation Code §545.307 restricts overnight commercial vehicle parking in residential areas.

Key details: STR-Specific Rules: None. State Law: TX Transportation Code §545.307. Zoning Parking: Chapter 155. Topic: Parking Rules.

City parking violations and TX Transportation Code citations. Fines per ordinance.

Willis is more permissive than most cities when it comes to short-term rental parking rules. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Willis gives residents more room on short-term rentals. 3 of the 3 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.

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