Overview: Are STRs allowed in Harker Heights, TX?

Yes. Short-term rentals (STRs) and bed & breakfasts (B&Bs) are allowed in Harker Heights, TX, but they are strictly regulated and must be registered with the city. The City Council adopted an STR/B&B ordinance in January 2023, which codified definitions, registration and inspection requirements, operating standards, and enforcement procedures. The city is building a GIS map of registered STRs and expects STR/B&B operators to comply with occupancy and safety standards and city codes. Enforcement is complaint-based and handled through code enforcement, with potential registration revocation for violations. The city previously estimated 50–60 STRs and B&Bs were operating prior to the ordinance’s adoption, illustrating the scale of the market and the city’s intention to regulate and tax this activity appropriately.

For investors, the overarching reality is clear: operate only after city registration, inspections, and a valid certificate of registration are issued; maintain city compliance; and monitor city communications for updates.

How to start an STR business in Harker Heights

Operating an STR/B&B in Harker Heights requires a step-by-step process designed to verify safety, zoning, and operational readiness. The city enforces the requirements through registration and inspection, and you will need both municipal and (at minimum) state-level tax compliance.

Step-by-step setup

1. Pre-application preparation

   • Decide whether to operate as an STR or B&B; both are covered under the same registration and inspections, and both are considered rentals for fewer than 30 days.
   • Confirm property legal status: proof of ownership or lease interest must be submitted.
   • Secure business formation documents:
     • DBA (Doing Business As/Assumed Name), LLC operating agreement, or Articles of Incorporation, as applicable.
     • Documents must be signed by the owner or authorized designee per the filed paperwork.
   • Identify local contact details:
     • 24-hour phone number and local mailing address for a responsible party who can respond quickly to issues.

2. Prepare the required application package

   • Complete the city’s official “Short-Term Rental (STR) and Bed & Breakfast (B&B) Registration Form” fully (incomplete applications are not accepted).
   • Provide:
     • Owner/operator name, mailing address, email, telephone (including text-capable), and local contact person information.
     • Number of bedrooms, and overnight/daytime occupancy limits you intend to enforce for the unit.
     • Name and physical address of the STR/B&B.
     • Site plan:
       • Include the location of parking.
       • Provide one off-street parking space per bedroom in the STR/B&B unit as required.
     • Any additional information the Planning & Development Director deems necessary to administer the application.

3. Schedule and complete inspections

   • Fire Marshal walk-through: Call the Fire Department at 254-699-2688 to schedule.
   • Building Official walk-through: Call the Building Department at 254-953-5600 to schedule.
   • Meet all minimum safety standards prior to inspection and maintain them after registration is issued.

4. Payments and certificate

   • Refer to the city’s current fee schedule; payments are accepted only after the certificate is complete and ready to be picked up.
   • Your certificate will be issued after successful inspections and compliance review.

5. Post-registration operations

   • Operate at or below the stated overnight/daytime occupancy limits.
   • Maintain all safety standards and respond promptly to city inquiries or complaints.
   • If you intend to list on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, or HomeAway, ensure your listing reflects your registered address and complies with the city’s ordinance and any applicable HOA/deed restrictions.
   • Note: Harker Heights plans to maintain a GIS map of registered STRs to support compliance and enforcement.

Timeline expectations

• The ordinance took effect on January 20, 2023. Since then, the city has required registration for STRs/B&Bs. Start-up timing depends primarily on inspection scheduling and your readiness to meet safety standards; plan additional time for documentation preparation and corrections if inspections reveal deficiencies.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• City of Harker Heights Short-Term Rental and Bed & Breakfast Registration Form (fully completed)
• Site plan:
  • Include parking layout; provide one off-street parking space per bedroom.
  • Provide building site plan and exit routes posting for common areas and bedrooms.
• Business formation documentation (signed by owner or authorized designee):
  • DBA/Assumed Name, LLC operating agreement, or Articles of Incorporation.
• Proof of building/land ownership or leasehold interest.
• Proof of compliance with minimum safety standards (confirmed via inspections):
  • Interconnected smoke alarms per current Building and Fire Codes.
  • Carbon monoxide detectors mounted on each floor.
  • GFCI protection per current International Residential Code.
  • Exit ladders in each upstairs bedroom (minimum of one window per room).
  • All exterior doors and windows operational.
  • 5-lb dry-chem fire extinguisher mounted in full sight in the common area of each floor.
  • Class K fire extinguisher mounted in full sight in the kitchen, or the range protected by an approved stovetop suppression product.
  • Outdoor cooking/burning devices in accordance with current Fire Codes, with a water source located within 20 unobstructed feet.
  • First aid kit mounted in an easily accessible area.
• Fire Marshal walk-through scheduling and approval (contact Fire Department).
• Building Official walk-through scheduling and approval (contact Building Department).
• Certificate of Registration issuance following compliance review and payment of fees.
• Keep on file the city’s Code of Ordinances Chapter 127: Short Term Rentals and Bed and Breakfasts (the registration form references this chapter; operators are responsible to comply).
• State and local tax compliance (see state-level summary below).

City-level regulations specific to Harker Heights

The city’s ordinance establishes the framework for legal operation, including definitions, registration, operating standards, and enforcement:

• Short-term rental definition: a rental for fewer than 30 days (the city uses this threshold).
• Registration requirement: all STRs/B&Bs must register with the city and obtain a certificate prior to operating.
• Inspections required: Fire Marshal and Building Official inspections must be scheduled and passed before registration is finalized and before operation begins.
• Occupancy and bedrooms:
  • You must state the number of bedrooms and the overnight/daytime occupancy limits for your STR/B&B.
  • Occupancy limits must be enforced in practice and are subject to inspection.
• Parking requirements:
  • One off-street parking space per bedroom is required, as shown on your site plan.
• Property types and placement:
  • Even RVs can be used as short-term rentals, provided they are on their own lot and not parked simply in a driveway.
• Safety standards: comprehensive minimum safety standards apply (smoke/CO detection, exit ladders, fire extinguishers, kitchen suppression, outdoor cooking safety, and first aid kit). These must be in place prior to inspections and maintained after registration.
• Enforcement:
  • Enforcement is complaint-based and administered through the city’s code enforcement department.
  • Typical progression: initial warning, then possible action to revoke the unit’s registration if violations persist.
  • The city plans to maintain a GIS map of registered STRs to support oversight.
• Revocation/suspension/denial: the ordinance provides the city authority to revoke, suspend, or deny registration for violations.
• Multiple properties: each unit requires its own registration; there is no “master” registration for multiple properties.

Notes for owners/investors

• Investor-driven STR conversions can impact nearby residential neighborhoods, and community concerns (noise, parking, transient activity) often drive complaints. Proactive management and communication with neighbors can reduce enforcement risk.
• Occupancy limits should be set conservatively and enforced consistently; guests must be informed of limits and building rules.
• Even if you use a property management company, the owner remains responsible for city registration, inspections, and ongoing compliance.

State and county context: Texas and Bell County

Texas does not have a statewide licensing program specifically for short-term rentals. Instead, compliance occurs through local ordinances (like Harker Heights), state tax obligations, and general codes.

• Texas hotel occupancy tax (state): 6%
  • The state imposes a 6% hotel occupancy tax on the total price of accommodations for stays of 29 nights or fewer. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax.
• County/local occupancy taxes:
  • Additional hotel occupancy taxes may apply depending on Bell County or other local jurisdictions. The provided sources do not enumerate Bell County’s specific rate or requirements.
  • City of Harker Heights may also impose a local hotel occupancy tax. The sources provided do not list Harker Heights’ rate or collection details.
• Practical implication:
  • STR/B&B operators must collect and remit the state tax (and any applicable county/city tax) and maintain accurate records.
  • If your STR is listed on platforms, ensure you capture all applicable taxes on the booking and remit them per law.

Contact information

Use these contacts for registration, inspections, and enforcement inquiries:

• City of Harker Heights, Planning & Development (STR/B&B registration)

  • Address: 305 Miller’s Crossing, Harker Heights, TX 76548
  • Phone: 254-953-5600
  • Email: planning@harkerheights.gov
  • Office hours: per city schedule (call ahead to confirm)
  • Notes: Accepts application only if fully completed; coordinates Fire Marshal and Building Official inspections; issues certificates after compliance review and fee payment.

• City of Harker Heights, Fire Department (Fire Marshal inspection scheduling)

  • Phone: 254-699-2688
  • Purpose: schedule the required Fire Marshal walk-through; confirm safety standards compliance.

• City of Harker Heights, Building Department (Building Official inspection scheduling)

  • Phone: 254-953-5600
  • Purpose: schedule the required Building Official walk-through; confirm building code and safety standards.

Source links

• Short-Term Rental (STR) and Bed & Breakfast (B&B) Registration Form (City of Harker Heights, 2023):

  • harkerheights.gov/images/PDF/ShortTermRentals-BB-Form-2023.pdf

• News coverage: Harker Heights City Council adopts ordinance regulating short-term rentals (Killeen Daily Herald/Harker Heights Herald, Jan 13, 2023):

  • kdhnews.com/harker_heights_herald/local/heights-council-adopts-ordinance-regulating-short-term-rentals-in-city/article_2b48d766-937b-11ed-9b8c-93748b5263aa.html

• Third-party overview of STR market and laws (Checkmate Rentals; general guidance, not official city/state legal authority):

  • www.checkmaterentals.com/airbnb-management/harker-heights-texas

Investor checklist: keeping your STR compliant and profitable

• Complete city registration and obtain a certificate before listing or hosting any guests.
• Meet and maintain all minimum safety standards; pre-inspection readiness is the fastest path to registration.
• Enforce occupancy limits and parking requirements; treat guests and neighbors with care to reduce complaints.
• Confirm and comply with Texas hotel occupancy tax (6% for stays ≤29 nights) and any applicable Bell County/Harker Heights hotel taxes.
• Keep records and receipts for taxes, safety equipment inspections, and maintenance.
• Monitor city code updates and the GIS map of registered STRs; use the Planning & Development contact for any questions or changes in ordinance interpretation.
• If you use an RV as an STR, ensure it sits on its own lot and adheres to all applicable codes.
• If you hire a property manager, ensure they understand and honor the city’s inspection requirements, occupancy limits, and safety standards.

This guide is designed to be practical and comprehensive for investors entering the Harker Heights STR/B&B market. Always confirm the latest city fee schedules and any updates to Chapter 127 (Short-Term Rentals and Bed & Breakfasts) with Planning & Development, and consult a qualified local tax professional regarding occupancy tax obligations.