Short-term rental permit rules in Arlington, TX — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Arlington requires STR permits through ArlingtonPermits.com with a $500 non-refundable annual fee. STRs are restricted to a designated STR Zone near the entertainment district. Over 90% of the city is off-limits to short-term rentals under Ord. 19-014.
Arlington enacted comprehensive STR regulations through Ord. 19-014 (April 23, 2019), creating one of the most restrictive STR frameworks in Texas. A Short-Term Rental Zone was established extending approximately one mile from the entertainment district, bounded by E. Lamar Blvd (north), Center Street (west), E. Abram Street (south), and SH 360 frontage road (east). All parcels within the STR Zone are eligible regardless of zoning. Outside this zone, STRs are allowed only in RM-12, RMF-22, non-residential, and mixed-use zoning districts. The $500 non-refundable annual permit fee includes requirements for a local responsible party, $1 million liability insurance, floor plans with evacuation routes, and a parking plan. Permits are non-transferable and limited to one per address. The ordinance was not grandfathered — all pre-existing STRs had to comply.
Operating without permit: fine up to $2,000 per violation. Each day constitutes a separate offense. The city actively monitors platforms for unlicensed listings.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Tarrant County.
See how other cities in Tarrant County handle permit requirements.
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