Short-Term Rental Permit - Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ page is for those looking to obtain a short-term rental permit. Find essential information on the permitting process, including application procedures, required documentation, and compliance regulations. 

How does the City of Fredericksburg define Short-Term Rentals?

• SHORT-TERM RENTAL, ACCESSORY: A property containing a primary dwelling occupied as the property owner's principal residence (as evidenced by a current residence homestead exemption filed with the Gillespie County Appraisal District), that also contains a legal Accessory Dwelling Unit that is being used for Short Term Rental purposes.
• SHORT-TERM RENTAL, B&B: A property providing transient or guest lodging accommodations for compensation within the rooms of the property owner's principal residence (as evidenced by a current residence homestead exemption filed with the Gillespie County Appraisal District). Separate short-term rental permits shall not be required for each separate bedroom unit within a Short-Term Rental, B&B which may be rented.
• SHORT-TERM RENTAL, FACILITY: A facility or complex containing multiple short-term rental dwelling units on a single property, for transient or guest lodging where sleeping accommodations are provided for compensation. A facility or complex, located in a commercial zoning district, containing multiple short-term rental dwelling units on a single property, shall be developed in accordance with the multifamily regulations of the base zoning district.
• SHORT-TERM RENTAL, UNOCCUPIED: Any structure used for transient or guest lodging accommodations, rented for compensation of a dwelling unit, that is not owner occupied, which includes but is not limited to a single-family residence, townhouses, duplexes, and other residential real estate improvements, in which the public may obtain sleeping accommodations for a period less than thirty (30) days.
• SHORT-TERM RENTAL, NONCONFORMING: Any structure used for transient or guest lodging accommodations, rented for compensation of a dwelling unit, in which the public may obtain sleeping accommodations for a period less than thirty (30) days that obtained a permit prior to April 1, 2022.

Am I allowed to operate a Short-Term Rental?

Eligibility to operate a Short-Term Rental depends on the Zoning of the property in question,  you may verify Zoning here.

Do I need a Short-Term Rental Permit?

Per Section 20.222 of the Zoning Ordinance, any structure used for transient or guest lodging rented for compensation of a dwelling unit for a period of less than 30 days within the City Limits requires a Short-Term Rental Permit.  However, Short-Term Rentals located in the Fredericksburg extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) are not required to obtain a permit to operate.

How do I apply for a Short-Term Rental Permit?
You can register online, at the moment, the link is the same for a renewal and new applications and transfer of ownership.

Will I need an inspection?
Yes, inspections are required prior to issuance of a NEW Short-Term Rental permit, when a permit is transferred to another owner, upon complaints regarding violations or when additions or modifications are performed to the structure and upon renewal annually. Watch a short video or view the inspection checklist to help prepare you for an STR inspection. 

I have a Commercial property, can I have a STR permit?
C1 Neighborhood Commercial, C1.5 Commercial, C2 Commercial and CBD Central Business District allow for all STR uses by right with the exception of STR-Condo which requires a CUP. Staff would review the CUP request per Sec. 5.460.