Permit Requirements: Baytown vs Houston
How do permit requirements rules compare between Baytown, TX and Houston, TX?
Baytown has fewer restrictions than Houston.
Baytown, TX
Harris County
Baytown does not have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance or permit requirement as of 2024. Texas state law (HB 2127, effective September 2023) preempts cities from regulating short-term rentals more restrictively than state law allows. Properties used for short-term rental through Airbnb, VRBO, or similar platforms must comply with general property maintenance codes and hotel occupancy tax requirements.
View full Baytown rules →Houston, TX
Harris County
Houston adopted STR regulations in April 2025 (Ord. 2025-322), effective January 1, 2026. All STRs require a Certificate of Registration ($275 fee plus $33.10 admin fee). As of April 2026, platforms must remove unregistered listings.
View full Houston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Baytown | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| City Permit | Not required | - |
| State Law | HB 2127 preempts local STR regulation | - |
| State Tax | 6% hotel occupancy tax required | - |
| Registration | Texas Comptroller for tax collection | - |
| Contact | (281) 420-6530 Planning | - |
| Ordinance | - | Ord. 2025-322 |
| Effective | - | January 1, 2026 |
| Registration Fee | - | $275 + $33.10 admin |
| Penalty | - | $100–$500/day |
| Renewal | - | Annual |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Baytown FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my Baytown property on Airbnb?
No. Baytown does not require a specific short-term rental permit. However, you must register with the Texas Comptroller to collect and remit hotel occupancy taxes and comply with all property maintenance codes.
Does Texas law allow Baytown to regulate short-term rentals?
Texas HB 2127, effective September 2023, significantly limits municipal authority to regulate STRs. Baytown cannot impose registration requirements or operational restrictions beyond what state law allows.
What taxes do I owe on short-term rental income in Baytown?
You must collect and remit a 6% state hotel occupancy tax to the Texas Comptroller. Check with the Baytown Finance Department about any applicable local hotel occupancy tax as well.
Houston FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Houston?
Houston adopted STR regulations in April 2025 (Ord. 2025-322), effective January 1, 2026. All STRs require a Certificate of Registration ($275 fee plus $33.10 admin fee). As of April 2026, platforms must remove unregistered listings.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Houston?
Ordinance: Ord. 2025-322. Effective: January 1, 2026. Registration Fee: $275 + $33.10 admin. Penalty: $100–$500/day.
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