Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Argyle, TX?

YES — Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Argyle, TX, with specific regulations in place. The Town Council approved Ordinance 2023-27 on August 21, 2023, which added Article 4.07 Short Term Rentals to Chapter 4 Business Regulations of the Town's Code of Ordinances. This ordinance establishes a formal registration program and requires compliance with hotel occupancy tax obligations.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as the rental of any residence or residential structure, or a portion of a residence or residential structure, for a period of less than 30 days. This includes properties listed on platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, Vacation Rentals, HomeAway, and similar websites.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Argyle

Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. Submit Application Through Online Portal

• Access the Town of Argyle online permitting portal: argyletx.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/argyletx
• Navigate to the 'Building and Zoning Applications' section
• Click the Miscellaneous Permit Application icon
• Complete all required fields (place "N/A" in fields that don't apply)

2. Registration Requirements

• Registration Fee: $100
• Validity Period: One year from issuance date
• Renewal Requirement: Must be renewed annually for continued operation
• Processing: Applications are reviewed and approved before operation can commence

3. Initial Setup Considerations

• Ensure property compliance with all local zoning requirements
• Verify HOA restrictions if applicable (important for residential neighborhoods)
• Establish systems for tax collection and reporting
• Prepare guest amenities and safety features

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Requirements

1. Short-Term Rental Registration

• Application through online portal
• $100 registration fee
• Annual renewal required
• Must be approved before operation

2. Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Compliance

• 7% HOT tax on all rentals
• Quarterly reporting mandatory
• Even "zero" reports must be filed if no revenue received
• Separate HOT reporting from registration

3. Tax Reporting Documents

• Quarterly HOT Report (Form available through town)
• Revenue records for all rental periods
• Documentation of tax remittances

Documentation Checklist

• [ ] Completed Miscellaneous Permit Application
• [ ] Property ownership verification
• [ ] Proof of insurance (recommended)
• [ ] Guest safety guidelines and house rules
• [ ] Emergency contact information for property manager/owner
• [ ] Parking and occupancy limits documentation
• [ ] Tax collection and reporting systems in place

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Town of Argyle STR Regulations

Registration Requirements

• Mandatory registration through online portal
• Annual renewal required
• $100 fee per registration
• Property-specific registration (not transferable between properties)

Hotel Occupancy Tax (7%)

• 7% tax rate applies to all short-term rentals
• Quarterly filing requirement
• Must be remitted even with no activity (file "zero" report)
• Specific mailing address for tax payments:
  • Town of Argyle
  • Attention: Hotel Occupancy Tax
  • PO Box 609, Argyle, TX 76226

Quarterly Reporting Schedule

• Q1 (October 1 - December 31): Due January 31
• Q2 (January 1 - March 31): Due April 30
• Q3 (April 1 - June 30): Due July 31
• Q4 (July 1 - September 30): Due October 31

Compliance Notes

• Reports must be postmarked or hand-delivered by the 30th day following quarter end
• If due date falls on weekend or town holiday, next business day applies
• Make checks payable to "Town of Argyle"

State-Level Regulations (Texas)

Hotel Occupancy Tax Requirements

• Texas requires collection and remittance of state hotel occupancy tax
• Combined state and local rates apply (Argyle's total is 7%)
• Registration with Texas Comptroller may be required for state tax portion
• Monthly or quarterly filing depending on volume

Business License Considerations

• Standard business license requirements may apply
• Sales tax registration recommended for ancillary services
• Insurance requirements vary by property type and hosting platform

County-Level Regulations

Denton County Considerations

• County-level hotel occupancy taxes may apply
• Property tax implications for STR operations
• County health department requirements for commercial operations

Enforcement and Compliance Monitoring

Complaint Categories and Response

• Noise & Public Parking: Argyle Police Department, (940) 464-7254 (24/7 availability)
• Property Maintenance Issues: Community Development - Code Compliance, (940) 464-7273 Ext. 117
• Other STR Concerns: Community Development Department, (940) 464-7273 (Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM)

Potential Violations

• Operating without registration
• Failure to pay hotel occupancy taxes
• Noise and disturbance complaints
• Property maintenance violations
• Parking violations
• Zoning compliance issues

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact: Community Development Department

• Phone: (940) 464-7273
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• General Inquiries: Handle registration questions, operational guidance, and general STR concerns

Specialized Contacts

• Noise/Parking Complaints: Argyle Police Department, (940) 464-7254 (24/7)
• Code Enforcement: (940) 464-7273 Ext. 117
• Hotel Occupancy Tax: (940) 464-7273
• Town Secretary: (940) 464-7273 Ext. 106 (for ordinance verification)

Mailing and Physical Addresses

• Physical Address: 308 Denton Street E, Argyle, TX 76226
• Mailing Address: PO Box 609, Argyle, TX 76226
• Fax: (940) 464-7274
• Email: townsecretary@argyletx.com

Online Resources

• Town Website: www.argyletx.com
• Online Portal: argyletx.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/argyletx
• Municipal Code: library.municode.com/tx/argyle
• Open Records: argyletx.justfoia.com/publicportal/home/track

Additional Considerations for STR Investors

Market Context

Argyle has a relatively small number of active STRs (reported at 3-4 properties as of May 2023), indicating a developing rather than saturated market. The town's proactive approach to regulation through Ordinance 2023-27 provides a framework for legitimate operators while establishing enforcement mechanisms.

Financial Planning

• Initial Investment: $100 registration fee plus setup costs
• Ongoing Costs: Annual renewal fees, quarterly tax filing preparation
• Tax Obligations: 7% HOT tax affects pricing strategy
• Insurance: Consider commercial liability coverage

Risk Mitigation

• Maintain detailed records for tax reporting
• Establish clear house rules for guests
• Monitor local ordinance updates
• Build relationships with neighbors to address concerns proactively
• Consider property management services for compliance monitoring

HOA Considerations

Many residential developments in Argyle may have HOA restrictions on STR operations. Review community bylaws and restrictions before purchasing or listing properties for short-term rental use.

Important Sources for Verification:

• Town of Argyle STR Program: www.argyletx.com/389/Short-Term-Rental-Program
• Community Impact News Article: communityimpact.com/dallas-fort-worth/flower-mound-highland-village-argyle/government/2023/05/22/argyle-town-leaders-examine-short-term-rentals/
• Argyle Ordinances and Development Standards: www.argyletx.com/235/Ordinances-and-Town-Development-Standard
• Municipal Code: library.municode.com/tx/argyle

This guide provides the essential framework for operating a compliant short-term rental business in Argyle, TX. Always verify current requirements with the Community Development Department before making investment decisions.