Registration Rules: Baytown vs Tomball
How do registration rules rules compare between Baytown, TX and Tomball, TX?
Baytown has fewer restrictions than Tomball.
Baytown, TX
Harris County
Baytown has no dedicated short-term rental registration or permit program. Operators must, however, register with the City to collect the 7% local hotel occupancy tax under Chapter 90, Article III of the Code, plus the 6% state HOT.
View full Baytown rules →Tomball, TX
Harris County
Tomball requires every short-term rental (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) renting sleeping rooms for less than 30 days to register with the city Finance Department and remit a 7% hotel occupancy tax (HOT) on net receipts. Reports are filed quarterly.
View full Tomball rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Baytown | Tomball |
|---|---|---|
| STR Permit | None required | - |
| Local HOT Rate | 7% | - |
| State HOT Rate | 6% | - |
| Code Section | Ch. 90, Art. III, Sec. 90-56 | - |
| Reporting | Quarterly via Avenu portal | - |
| State Permit | Texas Comptroller hotel tax | - |
| City Contact | Finance / 281-420-6500 | - |
| City HOT rate | - | 7% of net receipts |
| State HOT (separate) | - | 6% under Tex. Tax Code Ch. 156 |
| Threshold | - | Rentals under 30 consecutive days |
| Filing frequency | - | Quarterly |
| Online portal | - | revds.com/taxpayer (Avenu MuniServices) |
| Finance Dept. | - | 501 James St., (281) 351-5484 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Baytown FAQ
Do I need a permit to run a short-term rental in Baytown?
Baytown has not adopted a dedicated STR permit. Hosts must, however, register with the City for the 7% local Hotel Occupancy Tax under Chapter 90, Article III.
What taxes do I have to collect?
A 7% local hotel occupancy tax payable to Baytown plus the 6% state hotel tax payable to the Texas Comptroller, for a combined 13%.
How and when is the local tax filed?
Through the Avenu Insights HOT portal, with reports due quarterly on the last day of the month following each three-month reporting period.
Are there zoning restrictions on STRs?
Yes, indirectly. The Unified Land Development Code defines dwelling units and residential uses, and Texas Local Government Code Chapter 250 sets the framework for any future regulation.
Tomball FAQ
Do I need a separate STR permit in Tomball?
Tomball does not have a standalone STR zoning permit. The active requirement is registering as a hotel-tax remitter under Ch. 42 and filing 7% HOT quarterly. Confirm zoning compatibility for your specific address with Planning at (281) 290-1004.
Does Airbnb collect Tomball's HOT for me?
Texas state HOT (6%) is often collected by platforms, but local 7% Tomball HOT collection varies by platform agreement. Operators remain ultimately responsible for filing. Verify your platform's collection scope and confirm with Tomball Finance at (281) 351-5484.
What if I rent only occasionally?
Any rental of less than 30 days is taxable; there is no de minimis exemption in the city ordinance. You must still register and file, even if you owe $0 for a given quarter. Confirm with Finance at (281) 351-5484.
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