Based on the provided content, here is a comprehensive guide for operating a short-term rental in Lufkin, Texas.

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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Lufkin, Texas, but they are strictly regulated by city ordinance. The City Council passed Ordinance 446 on September 5, 2023, to address a 44% increase in STRs within the last year. The regulations aim to preserve neighborhood character, ensure public safety through code compliance, and recover hotel/motel tax revenue from these properties.

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

Follow these steps to legally operate an STR in Lufkin:

1. Apply for a Permit: Submit a Short-Term Rental Registration Application to the City of Lufkin Planning Department. The application is currently available online via Formstack. The permit fee is $100.00, and it must be renewed every two years.
2. Pay the Application Fee: Pay the $100 permit fee at the time of application.
3. Prepare for Inspection: The City's Chief Building Inspector will contact you within 2-4 business days to schedule a mandatory walk-through inspection. This inspection focuses on safety and fire regulations, such as the presence and functionality of smoke detectors.
4. Set Up Tax Collection: Log into your listing on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO and add the City of Lufkin as the taxing authority. Most major host platforms are configured to automatically collect and remit the 7% hotel/motel tax directly to the city. It is the owner's responsibility to ensure tax collection is enabled and up-to-date to avoid penalties and interest.
5. Display Required Information: Prepare a letter or brochure with all the specified information (see "Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines") to be displayed prominently inside the rental property.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

The following are mandatory for operation:

• Short-Term Rental Registration Permit: Obtained from the City of Lufkin Planning Department. Fee: $100, valid for two years. Link to Application.
• Safety Inspection: A successful inspection by the City's Chief Building Inspector is required before operation can commence.
• In-Unit Guest Information Display: A letter or brochure containing:
  • Short-term rental permit number.
  • Owner or operator's name and contact phone number.
  • Local contact person's 24-hour telephone number (if the property owner does not reside on the same property).
  • Neighborhood information (trash collection schedules, parking).
  • Trash disposal instructions.
  • Emergency information (911, non-emergency numbers for police and fire).
  • A notification that all guests must comply with local and state laws.
• Hotel/Motel Tax Remittance: A 7% tax must be collected, typically handled by the host platform. Owners are responsible for ensuring the city is listed as the taxing authority on their platform accounts.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Lufkin, Texas

The regulations, established by Ordinance 446, cover several key operational areas:

• Guest Occupancy Limits:
  • Two persons per bedroom, plus two additional persons in the unit, regardless of age.
  • No more than 12 guests total, regardless of the property's size.
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Short-term rentals are allowed in ADUs (e.g., garage apartments), provided:
  • The property complies with all local ordinances and state laws.
  • The ADU cannot have a separate address or utilities from the primary home.
• Fines and Penalties for Non-Compliance:
  • 1st Offense: $200
  • 2nd Offense: $400
  • 3rd Offense & Beyond: $500
  • Permit Suspension/Revocation: Upon the third violation within 24 months, the City may suspend or revoke the short-term rental permit.
• Complaint Process: The city is developing a 24/7 hotline for STR-related complaints. Until then, residents can contact City of Lufkin Code Compliance or the Lufkin Police Department for suspected law violations.

Contact Information for Local Authority

For permits, questions, and compliance, contact the City of Lufkin Planning Department.

• Phone: 936-633-0247
• Email: srayburn@cityoflufkin.com
• Address: City Hall, 300 E. Shepherd, Lufkin, Texas 75901
• Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM

Source Links

• City of Lufkin Short-Term Rentals Page & FAQ
• Short Term Rental Registration Application
• Short Term Rental Ordinance (ORD-446)
• KTRE News Article on Lufkin Council Considering STR Ordinance (Context)