Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Longview, TX. The city council explicitly permits both "Bed and Breakfast" and "Short-Term Residential Rental" operations within city limits, governed by specific regulations outlined in Ordinance 4288, adopted through the Unified Development Code.

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

The process for establishing a compliant short-term rental is straightforward and involves direct engagement with the city's Development Services department.

1. Review the Regulations: Start by downloading and thoroughly reviewing the official Bed and Breakfast and Short-Term Residential Rental Summary. This document is your primary reference for all city-specific rules.
2. Complete the Application: Obtain and fill out the official Bed and Breakfast or Short-Term Rental Application. This is a mandatory step for registration.
3. Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy: A valid Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is a prerequisite for any rental. If you do not already have one, you must apply for it. The CO confirms the property meets all safety and code requirements.
4. Submit Your Package: Your completed application, CO, and all supporting documents can be submitted to the Planning and Zoning division in one of three ways: in person at their office, by mail to their physical address, or via email to their official email address.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

To operate legally, you must have the following:

• City Permit & Registration: A permit from the City of Longview is mandatory to be added to the city's registry for short-term rentals.
• Certificate of Occupancy (CO): Issued by the Development Services department, this certificate confirms the property's compliance with building and safety codes. A separate application is required.
• Proof of Ownership: You must provide documentation proving you own the residential property.
• Proof of Hotel Occupancy Tax Registration: You must demonstrate to the City Planner that you are registered with the Texas Comptroller's office to collect and remit the state Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT). This is a requirement for annual registration renewal.
• Compliance with Zoning: The property must be located in a zoning district where the intended use ("Bed and Breakfast" or "Short-Term Residential Rental") is permitted, as specified in the Unified Development Code. The provided summary includes a land-use table indicating permissible districts.
• Adherence to All City Ordinances: You must comply with all regulations concerning taxes, safety, health, housing, planning, and noise.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Longview, TX

The city distinguishes between two types of rentals with their own set of rules:

For Bed and Breakfast (B&B) Operations:

• Owner Occupancy Required: The owner or lessee of the unit must be living on-site on a permanent basis.
• Stay Duration: Guests may rent for a period of one (1) to thirty (30) nights.
• Accommodation Type: May include a shared room or a single room within the residence.
• Parking: The requirement is 2 spaces per structure, plus 1 space per guestroom.
• Land Use: Permitted in several zoning districts, including SF-1 through SF-6, TH, TF, MF, O, NS, and all C-1, C-2, CB, DT, I-1, I-2, IH-20, and P districts as indicated by "P" or "S" in the provided zoning table.

For Short-Term Residential Rental (STR) Operations:

• Full Unit Rental: The entire dwelling unit is rented out to only one renter at any given time.
• Stay Duration: Guests may rent for a period of one (1) to thirty (30) nights.
• Parking: The requirement is 2 spaces per structure, plus 0.5 spaces per guestroom.
• Land Use: Permitted in almost every zoning district, as indicated by the "P" designation across all listed districts in the provided zoning table.

Key Regulations for Both Types:

• Annual Renewal: Your city permit and registry listing must be renewed each year.
• Tax Compliance: Each May, you must submit proof to the City Planner that you are current with both your Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) payments and property tax payments.
• Inspections: The City may inspect your unit with 24-hour notice.
• Good Standing: You must demonstrate that the property has no outstanding issues related to taxes, building, electrical, plumbing, fire, health, housing, police, planning, noise, or code enforcement.
• Compliance Timeline: If you fail to meet requirements, the City will provide 10 calendar days to come into compliance.
• Enforcement: The City reserves the right to suspend or remove a property from the registry. A property removed from the registry cannot be re-added for at least one year. Reasons for suspension or removal include:
  • Providing false or misleading information.
  • Violating any terms of the ordinance.
  • Failing to pay the Hotel Occupancy Tax in a timely manner.
  • Receiving three (3) or more complaints from neighboring property owners for excessive noise or traffic within a 24-month period.

State-Level Regulations (Texas)

Texas has a preemptive framework for short-term rentals.

• Definition: A short-term rental is any residence rented for 30 days or less.
• Tax Obligation: You are legally required to collect and remit the 6% Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) on all taxable rentals. You must apply for a Hotel Occupancy Tax permit through the Texas Comptroller's Office. Counties and cities may levy additional HOT taxes. It is crucial to verify the current local HOT rate with the City of Longview's Finance Department.
• Income Tax: Rental income is subject to federal income tax. The IRS requires individuals to make estimated quarterly payments if they expect to earn over $1,000 per year from their property. Consult a tax professional for specific guidance.

Contact Information

For all permitting, registration, and compliance questions, contact the City of Longview's Development Services department.

• Planning and Zoning Division

  • Address: 410 S. High St., Longview, Texas 75601
  • Phone: 903-237-1072
  • Email: planning@longviewtexas.gov
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Building Inspection Division

  • Phone: 903-237-1074
  • Email: building@longviewtexas.gov

Links to Source Pages

• City of Longview - Short-Term Residential Rental Information: https://www.longviewtexas.gov/4287/Short-term-Residential-Rental
• Bed and Breakfast and Short-Term Residential Rental Summary (PDF): https://www.longviewtexas.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17539/BBSTR-Summary---Updated
• Bed and Breakfast or Short-Term Rental Application (PDF): https://www.longviewtexas.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17538/Short-Term-Rental-Application
• Certificate of Occupancy Application (PDF): https://www.longviewtexas.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17537/CERTIFICATE-OF-OCCUPANCY-APPLICATION
• Texas Comptroller - Hotel Occupancy Tax Permit Information: https://comptroller.texas.gov/about/contact/locations.php
• Texas Comptroller - Hotel Occupancy Tax FAQs: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/hotel/faq.php