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Bastrop, TX

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STR Regulations for Bastrop, Texas

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

YES — Short-term rentals ARE explicitly allowed in Bastrop, Texas, but they must be registered with the City.

The City of Bastrop has formally embraced short-term rentals while implementing a regulatory framework to ensure safety, compliance, and neighborhood harmony. On February 25, 2025, the Bastrop City Council passed Ordinance No. 2025-07, establishing the city's first-ever mandatory registration process for short-term rentals. This ordinance became fully effective on April 26, 2025, signifying Bastrop's commitment to regulating rather than prohibiting this growing industry.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Bastrop?

Bastrop hosts earn a median $18,913/year with $159 ADR and 52% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $34,429+ per year.

See the full Bastrop market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Bastrop, Texas

Step 1: Property Assessment and Location Verification

  • Determine your property's jurisdiction: STRs within Bastrop city limits require city registration; those in the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) are subject to city regulations but different tax rates
  • Verify zoning compliance: Ensure your property is zoned appropriately for lodging use
  • Assess safety and infrastructure: Confirm your property meets basic safety standards including fire alarms, evacuation routes, and proper addressing

Step 2: Complete City Registration Process

  • Access the registration portal: Visit public.mygov.us/bastrop_tx
  • Submit separate applications: Each individual short-term rental unit requires its own registration, even if multiple units exist on the same property
  • Pay the registration fee: $25 per application (significantly lower than many Texas cities)
  • Registration validity: Annual registration that expires one year from issuance or upon property ownership transfer

Step 3: Establish Tax Compliance Framework

  • Understand HOT obligations: Set up systems to collect Hotel Occupancy Tax from guests
  • Register with tax collection system: Use Localgov platform (tax.localgov.org/login) for HOT reporting
  • Determine applicable tax rate: 13.75% for properties inside city limits/ETJ; 13% for properties outside city limits and ETJ

Step 4: Operational Setup

  • Designate 24/7 local contact: Provide reliable local contact information for guest inquiries and emergency situations
  • Implement safety protocols: Install and maintain fire alarms, establish evacuation procedures, post emergency information
  • Platform registration: Register your STRs on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, etc.

Step 5: Compliance and Maintenance

  • Monitor regulatory changes: Stay informed about evolving city regulations
  • Maintain annual registration: Renew registration before expiration
  • Address violations promptly: Understand potential fines up to $500 for noncompliance

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of Bastrop Registration Requirements

Essential Documents for Registration:

  • Property address and owner information
  • Local contact information (must be available 24/7)
  • Proof of current hotel occupancy tax payments
  • Safety documentation including fire alarm verification and evacuation plans
  • Information about rental platforms where the property is listed (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.)
  • Property identification and addressing information

Key Guidelines:

  • Annual renewal required: Registration must be renewed yearly
  • Multiple unit handling: Each short-term rental unit requires separate registration
  • New owner timeline: New STR owners must register within 60 days of opening
  • Ownership change: Registration transfers with property ownership

Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Compliance

State and Local Tax Obligations:

  • Texas State HOT: 6% on all short-term lodging charges
  • Bastrop County HOT: 0.75% for properties within city limits/ETJ; 7% for properties outside
  • City of Bastrop HOT: 7% for properties within city limits/ETJ
  • Total Tax Rates:
    • Inside city limits or ETJ: 13.75% total
    • Outside city limits and ETJ: 13% total

Reporting Requirements:

  • Filing frequency: Monthly filing required to Bastrop County
  • Quarterly filing: Available if taxpayer owes less than $500 monthly or $1,500 quarterly (requires County approval)
  • Zero stays reporting: Required even with no overnight stays until written notice of business cessation
  • Online filing: Through Localgov platform (tax.localgov.org/login)

Safety and Operational Standards

Minimum Safety Requirements:

  • Functional fire alarm systems
  • Posted evacuation procedures and emergency contact information
  • Proper property addressing for emergency services
  • Compliance with local building and zoning codes

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Bastrop Municipal Regulations

Ordinance 2025-07 Key Provisions:

  • Registration mandate: All STRs within city limits must register
  • Safety standards: Requirements for fire safety and emergency preparedness
  • Tax compliance verification: Registration includes proof of current tax payments
  • Operational oversight: City retains authority to ensure ongoing compliance

Enforcement Mechanisms:

  • Fines up to $500: Violations determined by municipal judge
  • Registration suspension: Noncompliance can result in registration suspension
  • Business closure: Severe or repeated violations may result in business closure orders

Neighborhood Protection Measures:

  • Noise restrictions: Subject to standard municipal noise ordinances
  • Parking regulations: STRs must comply with local parking requirements
  • Trash and maintenance: Properties must maintain appearance and cleanliness standards

Bastrop County Regulations

County-Level Requirements:

  • Tax collection authority: County collects HOT through Localgov platform
  • No separate county STR permits: County does not issue specific STR permits
  • General business compliance: Properties must meet septic, driveway, and 911 addressing requirements where applicable

State of Texas Regulations

Texas Tax Code Compliance:

  • Chapter 156 (State): Governs state-level HOT collection
  • Chapter 352 (County): Establishes county HOT authority
  • Chapter 351 (Municipal): Grants cities HOT collection rights

Statewide STR Framework:

  • Definition: Any sleeping accommodation rented for less than 30 days consecutively
  • Audit rights: State and local governments retain audit authority
  • Legal enforcement: Noncompliance can result in legal action and business closure

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Bastrop - Primary STR Authority

Development Services Department

  • Phone: 512-332-8840
  • Email: info@cityofbastrop.org
  • Address: 1311 Chestnut Street, Bastrop, Texas 78602
  • Website: www.cityofbastrop.org
  • Services: STR registration assistance, permitting questions, regulatory guidance

General City Contact:

  • Phone: 512-332-8800
  • Email: info@cityofbastrop.org

Bastrop County - Tax Administration

Hotel Occupancy Tax Collection:

  • Platform: tax.localgov.org/login
  • Customer Service: (877) 842-3037
  • Email: service@localgov.org
  • Help Center: service.localgov.org/knowledge

Tourism & Economic Development:

  • Contact: Amberley Palmer
  • Phone: (512) 581-4236
  • Email: amberley.palmer@co.bastrop.tx.us
  • Website: www.co.bastrop.tx.us/page/ds.tourism_economic

Municipal Partners for Regional Compliance

City of Elgin:

  • Finance Director: 512-229-3218
  • Hotel Tax Payment: elgintx.com/648/Hotel-Tax

City of Smithville:

  • Online Agent: Neumo (Avenu)
  • Information: ci.smithville.tx.us/258/Hotel-Occupancy-Tax-HOT-Short-Term-Rental

Source Links

Official City of Bastrop Resources

Regulatory Documents

County and Regional Resources

State Resources

News and Context

Important Note for Investors: This guide reflects regulations current as of August 2025. Given the recent implementation of STR regulations in Bastrop, ongoing monitoring of municipal and county updates is recommended. The relatively low registration fee ($25) and collaborative regulatory approach make Bastrop an attractive market for short-term rental investment compared to larger Texas cities with higher fees and more restrictive frameworks.

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Bastrop

Market Saturation Score

036912
Low Saturation
1/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
0–1 declining months: minimal saturation pressure — revenue trends are stable.
View Full Bastrop Market Analysis

Photos of Bastrop

Overview of Bastrop

Bastrop is a small historic city in Bastrop County, Texas, situated in central Texas along the Colorado River. With a population of approximately 9,000 residents, the city retains a charming small-town character while sitting in the unique "Lost Pines" region, an isolated pocket of loblolly pine forest separated by hundreds of miles from the main pine forests of East Texas. Often called the "Heart of the Lost Pines," Bastrop is best known for its well-preserved 19th-century downtown and as a gateway to outdoor recreation in the surrounding state parks. The city lies roughly 30 miles southeast of Austin, about a 35- to 45-minute drive via State Highway 71, making it a popular escape for residents of the state capital.

Bastrop State Park is one of the most visited destinations in the area, located only a few minutes east of downtown. Developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the park offers miles of hiking and biking trails through the signature pine forest, along with cabins, a swimming pool, picnic areas, and a scenic 18-hole golf course. The surrounding Lost Pines give the area a distinctive character that draws campers, day-trippers, and nature lovers year-round.

A short drive from the city center, Lake Bastrop is a roughly 600-acre man-made reservoir constructed by the Lower Colorado River Authority. Located about ten miles north of downtown, the lake is known for fishing, paddling, and family-friendly outdoor recreation, and it serves as a cooling-water reservoir for nearby power plants. The surrounding Lake Bastrop Park offers day-use areas, RV sites, and a calm, pine-lined shoreline that makes it feel worlds away from the busy Central Texas corridor.

Buescher State Park, accessible from a scenic road that connects it to Bastrop State Park, lies a few miles east of town in the heart of the Lost Pines. Smaller and quieter than its neighbor, the park features shaded hiking trails, a small lake, and a peaceful campground that appeals to those seeking a more secluded experience. Together with the main park, it forms a substantial protected green space that anchors much of the area's outdoor appeal.

The historic downtown district along Main Street anchors the city's identity, with its century-old buildings now housing locally owned shops, art galleries, restaurants, and bed-and-breakfasts. The walkable core gives the city a small-town feel that contrasts with the rapid suburban growth of the Austin metro area, and the streets are often lined with visitors browsing during weekend festivals and art walks.

Bastrop is a compelling base for short-term rentals because it pairs genuine small-town Texas character with quick access to one of the state's most distinctive natural areas. Guests can spend the morning hiking pine-shaded trails at Bastrop or Buescher State Park, the afternoon paddling on Lake Bastrop, and the evening dining and shopping in a downtown that has welcomed travelers since the days of the Republic of Texas. Its proximity to Austin, along with a year-round calendar of festivals and outdoor activities, gives the city a steady draw that extends well beyond a single type of traveler.

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