Host Presence Rule: Austin vs Pflugerville
How do host presence rule rules compare between Austin, TX and Pflugerville, TX?
Pflugerville has fewer restrictions than Austin.
Austin, TX
Travis County
Austin City Code Chapter 25-2 establishes three STR license types, and Type 1 requires the operator to occupy the property as a primary residence. Type 2 (non-owner-occupied) and Type 3 (multifamily) carry stricter limits, density caps, and ongoing litigation over permitted neighborhoods.
View full Austin rules →Pflugerville, TX
Travis County
Travis County does not require short-term rental hosts to be present during guest stays. State law HB 1620 (2025) preempts most local STR rules, leaving owner-absent rentals broadly permissible across unincorporated areas.
View full Pflugerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Austin | Pflugerville |
|---|---|---|
| Code chapter | Austin LDC Chapter 25-2 | - |
| Type 1 | Owner-occupied primary home | - |
| Type 2 | Non-owner whole-home, restricted | - |
| Type 3 | Multifamily commercial | - |
| Severity | Strict — among toughest in TX | - |
| Host required on-site | - | No |
| State preemption | - | TX HB 1620 (2025) |
| 24-hr contact required | - | Recommended, not mandated |
| Absentee whole-home OK | - | Yes |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Austin FAQ
Must an Austin Type 1 STR host stay on-site during a booking?
Type 1 requires the unit to be the operator's principal residence but allows whole-home rental during absences or hosted home-share. The principal-residence test is what defines Type 1, not literal nightly presence.
Can I open a non-owner-occupied STR in an Austin neighborhood?
Type 2 licenses for non-owner whole-home STRs in residential zones have been restricted since 2016. Litigation continues to shape availability; new Type 2 applicants in residential areas typically cannot get a license.
Pflugerville FAQ
Can I run a Travis County STR without living on-site?
Yes. State law preempts host-presence requirements, and Travis County imposes none in unincorporated areas.
Do I need a local contact person?
Not required by county code, but providing a 24-hour contact is strongly recommended to handle neighbor complaints quickly.
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