Host Presence Rule: San Antonio vs Universal City
How do host presence rule rules compare between San Antonio, TX and Universal City, TX?
Universal City has fewer restrictions than San Antonio.
San Antonio, TX
Bexar County
San Antonio short-term rental rules in SAMC Chapter 35 distinguish owner-occupied Type 1 STRs from non-owner-occupied Type 2 STRs. Type 2 rentals face density caps by census block and tighter zoning limits to favor host-present operations.
View full San Antonio rules →Universal City, TX
Bexar County
Unincorporated Bexar County does not require short-term rental hosts to live on-site or be present during guest stays. Texas HB 1620 (2025) bars counties from imposing host-presence mandates on STR operators.
View full Universal City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Antonio | Universal City |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | SAMC Chapter 35 | - |
| Type 1 | Owner-occupied or present | - |
| Type 2 | Non-owner-occupied STR | - |
| Density cap | 12.5 percent per block group | - |
| Local contact | 24/7 responder required | - |
| Host residency required | - | No |
| State preemption | - | TX HB 1620 (2025) |
| Combined HOT rate | - | About 7.75 percent |
| Applies to | - | Unincorporated Bexar only |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Antonio FAQ
Do I need to live in my San Antonio short-term rental?
Not for a Type 2 permit, but Type 2 rentals are limited by density caps in residential zones. Type 1 owner-occupied STRs face fewer zoning restrictions and are easier to permit citywide.
How do I know if my block is over the STR density cap?
Use the city's STR density map on sa.gov before applying. Development Services tracks Type 2 permits per census block group and denies new Type 2 applications once 12.5 percent of units are reached.
Universal City FAQ
Can I run an unhosted Airbnb in unincorporated Bexar County?
Yes. No county rule requires the host to live on-site or be present, and Texas HB 1620 prevents counties from adopting such a mandate.
Do San Antonio city STR rules apply to my unincorporated property?
No. San Antonio ordinances apply only inside city limits. Unincorporated parcels follow state law and any limited county provisions.
Compare other topics
See how San Antonio and Universal City compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool