Corpus Christi Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Corpus Christi, Texas?

Short term rentals (STRs) have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering travelers unique and affordable accommodations while providing property owners with an additional source of income. However, the growth of this industry has also raised concerns about the impact on local neighborhoods, housing markets, and tourism.

As a result, many cities, including Corpus Christi, Texas, have implemented regulations to govern the operation of short term rentals. In this article, we will explore the specific rules and requirements for operating a short term rental in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi has recently updated its short term rental regulations, allowing for the rental of residential dwellings for a period between one day and 27 consecutive days. To start an STR business in Corpus Christi, you need to understand the city's zoning code, planning code, and ordinances. Renting out on a short term basis is allowed in multifamily and commercial zoned areas of the Padre/Mustang Island and Flour Bluff areas, with specific restrictions in single-family residential districts citywide, excluding the Padre/Mustang Island Area Development Plan area.

The city's zoning code determines where short term rentals can be located, while the planning code outlines the procedures for obtaining the necessary permits and approvals. The Corpus Christi ordinances provide detailed regulations for the operation of short term rentals, including safety requirements, insurance coverage, and tax collection.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Corpus Christi

All short term rental owners and operators within the city limits need to apply for a registration permit. Applications can be submitted online on the Corpus Christi government website. To apply for a registration, Corpus Christi Airbnb hosts need to provide names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers of all owners, operators, and agents. Additionally, a sketch of the floor plan identifying sleeping areas, proposed maximum number of guests, evacuation routes, and location of fire extinguishers is required.

The registration permit must be renewed annually, and the owner or operator must comply with all applicable regulations and requirements. Failure to obtain a registration permit or failure to comply with regulations and requirements can result in penalties, including fines and revocation of the registration permit.

Required Documents for Corpus Christi Short Term Rentals

When applying for a registration permit, Corpus Christi Airbnb hosts are required to provide the following documents:

• A list of all owners, operators, and agents (if applicable) of the short-term rental, including names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers.
• A sketch of the floor plan, which identifies sleeping areas, proposed maximum number of guests, evacuation routes, and location of fire extinguishers.
• The name, address, and 24-hour telephone number of a local contact person, who is the owner, operator, or designated agent and who shall be responsible and authorized to respond to complaints concerning the use of the short-term rental.
• A sworn self-certification that the owner of the short-term rental has met and will continue to comply with the standards, including maintenance of insurance coverage of the unit.

Corpus Christi Short Term Rental Taxes

Short term rental owners in Corpus Christi are required to collect and remit the 7% local hotel occupancy tax on a quarterly basis. The tax is collected from guests and remitted to the city, and the owner or operator is responsible for ensuring compliance with the tax laws. Failure to collect and remit the tax can result in penalties, including fines and legal action.

Corpus Christi Wide Short Term Rental Rules

The city of Corpus Christi has specific rules for short term rentals, including:

• Vacation rentals not occupied by their owners will only be allowed to take up 15% of one side of a block. Owner-occupied rentals, which include garage or mother-in-law rental units, will not be limited.
• Vacation rental owners can apply for a special exception to the block face percentage restrictions if their block is already at or above the 15% limit.
• The fee to register for a permit will be $50 through the end of the year. Starting Jan. 1, 2023, short-term rental owners will need to reapply for a permit, and the fee will be increased to $250.
• All vacation rentals will receive a permit number that will have to be added to any advertisements for the unit.

These rules are designed to balance the interests of property owners, guests, and the community. By limiting the number of vacation rentals in a block and requiring registration and tax compliance, the city is able to maintain the character and stability of its neighborhoods while still allowing for the growth of the short term rental industry.

Does Corpus Christi Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Corpus Christi has been actively enforcing short term rental rules, issuing citations and fines to those operating without a permit or in single-family zones. The city has added four code enforcement officers and one administrative position to oversee short-term rental compliance.

The city has also implemented a complaint-based enforcement system, allowing neighbors and community members to report violations of the short term rental regulations. This system has been effective in identifying and addressing non-compliant properties, and the city has issued fines and penalties to those found in violation of the regulations.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Corpus Christi

• Familiarize yourself with the city's zoning code, planning code, and ordinances.
• Determine if your property is located in a suitable zoning district.
• Apply for a registration permit on the Corpus Christi government website.
• Provide all required documents and information.
• Collect and remit the 7% local hotel occupancy tax on a quarterly basis.
• Comply with all local regulations and best practices for short-term rental owner/operators.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you are in compliance with all applicable regulations and requirements, and you can operate your short term rental business with confidence.

Who to Contact in Corpus Christi About Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning

For questions or concerns about short term rental regulations and zoning in Corpus Christi, contact the following:

• Email: STRregistration@cctexas.com
• Phone: (361) 826-3240

The city's code enforcement officers and administrative staff are available to assist with questions and concerns about the short term rental regulations, and they can provide guidance on the registration process and compliance requirements.

What do Airbnb Hosts in Corpus Christi on Reddit and Bigger Pockets Think About Local Regulations?

Airbnb hosts in Corpus Christi have expressed mixed feelings about local regulations. Some appreciate the clarity and structure provided by the new ordinances, while others have concerns about the limitations and costs associated with registration and tax requirements.

On the one hand, some hosts view the regulations as a positive development, providing a clear set of rules and requirements for the operation of short term rentals. They appreciate the city's efforts to balance the interests of property owners, guests, and the community, and they are willing to comply with the regulations in order to operate their businesses legally and responsibly.

On the other hand, some hosts have expressed concerns about the limitations and costs associated with the regulations. They argue that the 15% block face percentage restriction is too restrictive, and that the registration fee and tax requirements are too burdensome for small property owners.

Despite these concerns, the majority of hosts on Reddit and Bigger Pockets appear to be in compliance with the regulations, and they are committed to operating their businesses in a responsible and legal manner. They recognize the importance of maintaining the character and stability of their neighborhoods, and they are willing to work with the city to ensure that the short term rental industry is well-regulated and sustainable.

Conclusion

Short term rentals are a growing industry in Corpus Christi, Texas, offering unique and affordable accommodations for travelers and providing property owners with an additional source of income. However, the growth of this industry has also raised concerns about the impact on local neighborhoods, housing markets, and tourism.

As a result, the city has implemented regulations to govern the operation of short term rentals.By understanding the zoning code, planning code, and ordinances, and by following the registration and tax requirements, property owners can operate their short term rental businesses in a responsible and legal manner. The city's code enforcement officers and administrative staff are available to assist with questions and concerns, and the short term rental industry is well-positioned for growth and success in Corpus Christi.