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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Big Spring, Texas. The city has established comprehensive regulations for short-term rentals (STRs), including traditional STR platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, as well as bed and breakfast establishments. Big Spring amended its City Code of Ordinances in 2021 to specifically incorporate short-term rentals into existing hotel regulations for tax collection and operational oversight purposes.

The city defines a short-term rental as "a private dwelling, or any portion of such dwellings, available to the public for rent or hire for any period less than thirty (30) consecutive days." This includes properties rented through online platforms, traditional vacation rentals, and bed and breakfast establishments.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Big Spring

Step 1: Determine Zoning Compliance

Before proceeding with registration, verify that your property is located in a zoning district that permits residential uses and allows short-term rentals. Properties in residential zoning districts will require a Specific Use Permit (SUP).

Step 2: Obtain Required Permits

• Specific Use Permit (SUP): Required for STRs and bed and breakfast establishments located in zoning districts that permit residential uses. The permit fee is $325 and does not have a term limit.
• Contact the Permits Office at 432-264-2504 for SUP application procedures and zoning requirements.

Step 3: Register with the Convention and Visitors Bureau

All STR properties must be individually registered with the Director of the Big Spring Convention and Visitor's Bureau (CVB), even if multiple properties are managed under the same taxpayer identification number.

Step 4: Set Up Tax Collection Systems

Implement systems to collect both state and local hotel occupancy taxes (7% local rate) from guests.

Step 5: Establish Reporting Procedures

Develop monthly reporting procedures for tax remittance to the CVB Director.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Permits and Licenses

1. Specific Use Permit (SUP)

   • Cost: $325
   • Required for STRs in residential zoning districts
   • No term limit
   • Contact: Permits Office at 432-264-2504

2. STR Registration Certificate

   • Issued by CVB Director
   • Required for all STR properties
   • Must be renewed if 75% or more of ownership changes

Registration Information Required

When registering with the CVB, property owners must provide:

• Name, address, email, and telephone number of all property owners
• Name, address, email, and 24-hour telephone number of local contact person
• Property name and address
• Number of bedrooms for rent and applicable overnight/daytime occupancy limits
• Whether any owner occupies the facility as their permanent residence
• Copy of valid Specific Use Permit (if required)

Required Forms

1. Hotel Registration Form - Available through CVB
2. Hotel Occupancy Tax Report Fillable Form - Monthly filing requirement

Local Contact Requirements

Properties must designate a local contact person available 24/7 who can respond within one hour to complaints regarding property condition, operation, or guest conduct.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Hotel Occupancy Tax Requirements

Local Tax Rate: 7% of consideration paid by occupant Additional State Tax: Applies in addition to local tax Collection Responsibility: Property owner or internet booking agent must collect and remit taxes Exemptions: Permanent residents (30+ consecutive days), certain governmental entities

Reporting Requirements

• Monthly Filing: Due on the last day of the month following each reporting period
• Threshold Exception: If total amount due is less than $100, filing not required until it exceeds $100 or end of calendar quarter, whichever comes first
• Required Information: Consideration paid for all room occupancies and other information as reasonably required by CVB Director

Utility and Service Rates

Commercial Rates Apply to properties meeting the definition of "commercial short-term rental" - those regulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act as places of public accommodations. This includes:

• Commercial water rates
• Commercial sewer rates
• Commercial trash collection rates

Penalties and Enforcement

Criminal Penalties (up to $500 fine):

• Intentionally or knowingly failing to collect required taxes
• Intentionally or knowingly failing to file required reports
• Intentionally or knowingly failing to remit taxes when due
• Filing false reports

Civil Penalties for late payment:

• 15% penalty if delinquent for at least one complete municipal fiscal quarter
• 6% annual interest beginning 60 days from due date
• Reasonable attorney's fees

Property Sale Provisions

When selling an STR property, the purchaser must withhold sufficient purchase price to cover any outstanding tax liabilities until seller provides tax clearance certificate from CVB Director.

Compliance and Inspection

• CVB Director has power to make rules and regulations for tax collection
• Access to books and records for tax verification purposes
• Complaint recording system maintained by CVB Director
• Complaints provided to Planning and Zoning Committee during SUP renewal processes

Internet Booking Agents

Properties using internet booking platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) must ensure these agents collect and remit the 7% local hotel occupancy tax on behalf of property owners.

Contact Information

Big Spring Convention and Visitors Bureau

Director: CVB Director
Address: 113 E 3rd Street, Big Spring, TX 79720
Phone: 432-263-8235
Email: Contact through CVB office
Website: visitbigspring.com

Permits Office

Phone: 432-264-2504
Services: Specific Use Permit applications and zoning inquiries

City Hall

Address: Big Spring City Hall
Services: General municipal inquiries and additional permit information

Source Pages

1. Hotel Tax Information Page: visitbigspring.com/234/Hotel-Tax
2. City Ordinance 010-2021: mcclibraryfunctions.azurewebsites.us/api/ordinanceDownload/15732/1079628/pdf
3. Hotel Registration Form: /DocumentCenter/View/549/HOTEL-REGISTRATION-FORMpdf
4. Hotel Occupancy Tax Report Form: /DocumentCenter/View/548/Hotel-Occupancy-Tax-Report-Fillable-Form

Additional Resources

For investors considering STR operations in Big Spring, it is advisable to:

1. Consult with local zoning officials to confirm property eligibility
2. Review the complete Big Spring Zoning Ordinance for SUP requirements
3. Establish relationships with local property management companies familiar with city regulations
4. Consider the impact of commercial utility rates on operational costs
5. Maintain detailed records for tax reporting and compliance verification

The city's regulatory framework provides clear pathways for legitimate STR operations while ensuring appropriate tax collection and community protection measures are in place.