Overview

• Are STRs allowed in Nocona, TX? Yes—short-term rentals are permitted in Nocona. There are no city‑specific STR licensing or registration requirements identified in the provided sources. As a result, operators must follow state‑level Texas rules, primarily the collection and remittance of Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT). You are responsible for verifying any additional local requirements directly with the City of Nocona and Montague County.

Key takeaway: You can operate a short‑term rental without a city permit if none is required; however, you must register with and remit state HOT to the Texas Comptroller and determine whether any local (county or city) HOT applies.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

1. Confirm local rules
   • Contact the City of Nocona (likely through the City Secretary’s office) to verify whether any local registration, zoning restrictions, or operational requirements apply to STRs.
   • Contact the Montague County Tax Office to confirm whether a local Hotel Occupancy Tax is imposed and the applicable rate(s).
   • Review any applicable HOA/POA covenants and bylaws if the property is in a managed community.
2. Structure your tax compliance
   • Register with the Texas Comptroller for a Hotel Occupancy Tax account; set up monthly or quarterly filing and payment cadence.
   • Determine whether local HOT is due (Montague County and/or City of Nocona) and register/pay accordingly.
3. Prepare the property for safe, compliant operation
   • Comply with life‑safety standards applicable to residential uses (working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors where required, fire extinguisher, clear egress, address visibility).
   • Establish quiet hours and neighbor‑friendly operations (noise, trash, parking, occupancy).
   • Draft clear house rules and a guest guide; implement a 24/7 local contact process.
4. Launch and market
   • List on major channels (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.).
   • Incorporate local attractions (Lake Nocona, Nocona histórico downtown, nearby state parks, local events) to drive demand.
5. Maintain compliance
   • File and remit HOT on time.
   • Keep documentation (guest logs, remittances, correspondence).
   • Monitor for any new city or county ordinances and adjust operations promptly.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax
  • Register with the Texas Comptroller to collect and remit state HOT (6%) on short‑term stays.
  • Maintain accurate records of gross rental receipts, exemptions (if any), and tax remittances.
• Local taxes
  • Confirm whether Montague County or the City of Nocona imposes a local HOT and remit accordingly.
• Business records
  • Guest ledger/reservation records; contracts/confirmations; proof of insurance; correspondence log with guests and neighbors.
• Safety and code documentation (recommended best practice)
  • Fire safety equipment list and inspection/maintenance records; emergency contact information; posted rules and evacuation plan.
• Optional
  • Any local business license, if the city later adopts a registration requirement; confirmation from HOA/POA that STRs are permitted.

Note: The sources do not show a city‑issued STR permit or inspection requirement for Nocona. If the city enacts new rules, they will appear in city ordinances or on the city website.

Specific Regulations (City, County, and State)

• City of Nocona
  • No city‑specific STR permit/licensing ordinance is identified in the provided sources. Verify with the City Secretary or City Hall.
• Montague County
  • Confirm directly with the County Tax Office whether a county HOT applies and the rate. The sources do not specify a county rate.
• State of Texas
  • Hotel Occupancy Tax (6%) applies to most short‑term rentals of 30 days or less. Register, collect, and remit to the Texas Comptroller.
  • Texas Admin. Code and local ordinances govern various operational aspects (e.g., life safety, zoning). Operators must ensure compliance with residential codes and any city ordinances enacted in the future.
  • State legislative activity continues to influence STR policy; monitor updates during legislative sessions.

Important: Even without a local ordinance today, cities and counties can adopt new STR rules. Maintain compliance with current state rules and verify local requirements before listing.

Contact Information (Phone, Email, Website)

• Texas Comptroller (State Hotel Occupancy Tax)
  • Phone: 1‑800‑252‑1385 (main HOT line)
  • Website: comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/hotel/
  • Resources: HOT registration, filing guidance, forms, and rate information
• City of Nocona (for city‑level verification)
  • Phone: not provided in sources
  • Email: not provided in sources
  • Website: not provided in sources
  • Suggested approach: Contact City Secretary or City Hall to confirm whether any STR registration or zoning requirements exist
• Montague County Tax Office (for local HOT verification)
  • Phone: not provided in sources
  • Email: not provided in sources
  • Website: not provided in sources
  • Suggested approach: Call/email to confirm whether a local Hotel Occupancy Tax applies and obtain reporting instructions

Links to Source Pages

• Texas Hotel & Lodging Association – Short‑Term Rental (STR) Update 2018: texaslodging.com/short-term-rental-str-update-2018/
• Texas Comptroller – Hotel Occupancy Tax: comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/hotel/
• RedAwning – Texas Vacation Rental Management (includes Nocona among many TX locations): host.redawning.com/vacation-rental-management/texas/
• RedAwning – Market Overview: Nocona (Tx): www.redawning.com/pm/market-overview/nocona-texas

Practical tip: Because city and county contacts are not fully specified here, investors should start with the Texas Comptroller for tax registration and call Nocona City Hall and the Montague County Tax Office to confirm any local STR filings, taxes, or zoning constraints. This ensures full compliance from day one.