Permit Requirements: Austin vs Pflugerville
How do permit requirements rules compare between Austin, TX and Pflugerville, TX?
Pflugerville has fewer restrictions than Austin.
Austin, TX
Travis County
Austin requires all STRs to obtain a city license through Austin Development Services. Type 1 (owner-occupied), Type 2 (non-owner-occupied), and Type 3 (multifamily) licenses are available. As of Oct. 1, 2025, licenses are valid for two years. License fee is approximately $836.
View full Austin rules →Pflugerville, TX
Travis County
Travis County does not require a short-term rental permit in unincorporated areas. Incorporated cities (Austin, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Pflugerville) each license STRs separately. State HOT registration with the TX Comptroller is required for all STR operators.
View full Pflugerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Austin | Pflugerville |
|---|---|---|
| License Fee | ~$836 (new application) | - |
| License Term | 2 years (as of Oct. 2025) | - |
| Types | Type 1, 2, and 3 | - |
| Local Contact | Required, 2-hour response | - |
| Fine | Up to $500/day unlicensed | - |
| County permit | - | Not required |
| State HOT | - | 6% TX Comptroller |
| Austin license | - | Required in city limits |
| Lakeway | - | Registration required |
| Deed/HOA | - | May prohibit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Austin FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Austin?
Austin requires all STRs to obtain a city license through Austin Development Services. Type 1 (owner-occupied), Type 2 (non-owner-occupied), and Type 3 (multifamily) licenses are available. As of Oct. 1, 2025, licenses are valid for two years. License fee is approximately $836.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Austin?
License Fee: ~$836 (new application). License Term: 2 years (as of Oct. 2025). Types: Type 1, 2, and 3. Local Contact: Required, 2-hour response.
Pflugerville FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Travis County?
Unincorporated Travis County has no STR permit or license requirement. Texas counties do not have authority to require STR licensing in unincorporated areas. State hotel occupancy tax registration with the Texas Comptroller is required.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Travis County?
County License: Not required. State HOT Registration: Required (TX Comptroller). HOA Rules: May restrict STRs in subdivisions. ETJ Properties: May be subject to Austin rules.
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