Waco, TX Short-Term Rentals: Host Presence Rule (2026)

Section 13-470(e) requires the designated operator to be present in McLennan County and available at all times the property is being rented, a countywide-reachability standard that applies to every bed and breakfast facility and short-term rental facility license, including type II and type III properties where no one has to live on the premises. Section 13-465 defines "designated operator" as the operator of the facility who resides in McLennan County, will be present in the county, and is available at all times the rental is in use.

To make that operator reachable to the neighborhood, section 13-470(e) requires the planning services department to furnish the operator's contact information to owners of real property within 200 feet of the facility, and requires a sign, provided by the planning department to the licensee, to be posted conspicuously in the common area of each unit listing the owner's and/or designated operator's name and contact information, the facility's license number, and the occupancy limits and requirements set from the license. Section 13-470(f) extends the transparency requirement to advertising: the license number and occupancy limit must be included in all marketing materials, advertisements, and online listings for the facility. These operational duties apply on top of, and separately from, the ownership-residency rule in section 13-465 that governs only type I and homestay licenses.