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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Gainesville, TX, but with important conditions. STRs are not permitted as-of-right in any zoning district and require a Special Use Permit (SUP) approved by the City Council. This permit requirement applies regardless of whether the STR will be owner-occupied or non-owner-occupied. The city has demonstrated active approval of STR applications through multiple recent Special Use Permits (Ordinances 1597, 1596, and 1578).

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Gainesville, TX

Starting an STR in Gainesville follows a structured process that begins with the Special Use Permit application and continues through to Certificate of Occupancy:

1. Initial Consultation: Contact the Community Development Department to discuss your specific property and STR plans
2. Special Use Permit Application: Submit complete application with required documentation
3. Public Hearing Process: Attend two mandatory public hearings (Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council)
4. Permit Approval: Obtain City Council approval for the Special Use Permit
5. Certificate of Occupancy: Secure Certificate of Occupancy after SUP approval to legally operate
6. Ongoing Compliance: Maintain compliance with all permit conditions and city regulations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Special Use Permit (SUP) Application Requirements

Required Documentation:

• Completed Special Use Permit application
• Site plan or survey showing STR location
• Parking information and layout
• Tax certificate showing current year taxes paid
• STR-specific information:
  • Exact STR location address
  • Contact information for responsible party
  • Type of STR operation (owner-occupied vs. non-owner-occupied)

Permit Fees

• General SUP Request: $600 application fee
• Daycare SUP: $395 initial application fee + $100 annual renewal fee

Additional Requirements

• Certificate of Occupancy: Required after SUP approval (not automatically included with SUP)
• Sign Permits: If exterior signage is planned, separate sign permit required through Permit and Planning Technician at (940) 668-4799
• Business License: Contact city directly to verify if separate business licensing is required

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning and Land Use Requirements

Permit Process Timeline:

• Processing Time: Approximately 60 days from application deadline
• Public Hearings Required: Two separate hearings (Planning & Zoning Commission + City Council)
• Approval Authority: Planning & Zoning Commission (recommends to City Council) and City Council (final approval)

Additional Considerations:

• STRs must comply with all applicable zoning district requirements
• Properties must meet building safety codes
• Off-street parking requirements must be satisfied
• Properties within the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) are also subject to subdivision regulations

Operational Guidelines

Based on the city's application requirements, operators must specify:

• Owner-occupied status: Whether the property owner resides on-site
• Non-owner-occupied operation: For properties where owner does not reside
• Contact information: Responsible party contact details must be provided
• Location compliance: Property must be appropriately zoned and located

State and County Regulations

Texas State Level:

• Municipal zoning authority derives from Texas Local Government Code Chapter 211
• Cities have broad authority to regulate land use through zoning ordinances
• STRs must comply with state health and safety requirements
• Property taxes must be current

County Level:

• No specific county-level STR regulations identified in provided materials
• Properties may be subject to county health department requirements depending on location

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact: Community Development Department

Physical Address: 104 W. Hird St. Public Works Facility Gainesville, TX 76240

Phone: (940) 668-4799 Email: cs@cogtx.org Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Key Personnel

Javonna Cannon Administrative Assistant Email: JCannon@cogtx.org Phone: (940) 668-4799

Planning & Zoning Division Handles STR applications, zoning compliance, and related permits

Additional Contacts

General City Information: City of Gainesville 200 South Rusk Gainesville, TX 76240 Phone: 940-668-4500

City Secretary (for ordinance information): Diana Loch, City Secretary Email: DLoch@cogtx.org Phone: (940) 668-4500

Links to Source Pages

1. Planning & Zoning Department: www.gainesville.tx.us/169/Planning-Zoning
2. Newly Adopted Ordinances: www.gainesville.tx.us/371/Newly-Adopted-Ordinances
3. City Code of Ordinances: library.municode.com/tx/gainesville/codes/code_of_ordinances
4. Special Use Permit Application: Available through Planning & Zoning department
5. Board of Appeals: gainesville.tx.us/index.aspx?nid=131
6. Comprehensive Land Use Plan: Available through Community Development Department

Important Note for Investors: Given the case-by-case nature of STR approvals in Gainesville, it's essential to consult with the Community Development Department early in your planning process. The city has approved multiple STR applications through the Special Use Permit process, indicating a favorable but regulated approach to short-term rental operations. Properties should be thoroughly vetted for zoning compliance, parking availability, and neighborhood compatibility before investment.