Port Aransas, Texas
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Port Aransas, TX
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Local STR Agent
Local STR Agent
STR Regulations for Port Aransas, Texas
Overview
Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Port Aransas, TX. The city has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for short-term rentals (STRs) through Chapter 12, Article VIII of the City Code of Ordinances. STRs are defined as rentals for compensation of all or part of a dwelling unit for periods less than 30 consecutive days, covering single-family residences, apartments, condominiums, townhouses, and other residential real estate improvements.
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See the full Port Aransas market breakdownHow to Start a Short-Term Rental Business
Step 1: Property Assessment and Compliance Verification
Before proceeding with registration, ensure your property complies with:
- Zoning regulations (STR use cannot violate existing zoning, private covenants, or deed restrictions)
- Building codes and safety requirements
- Any applicable homeowners association rules
Step 2: Online Account Creation
- Visit the Short-Term Rental Registration Portal: portaransas.munirevs.com
- Create an account following the portal's instructions
- Wait for your account number and activation code
Step 3: Property Registration
- Use your account number and activation code to connect your property
- If you haven't received credentials, contact the STR Specialist
- Coordinate with your property management company regarding registration responsibilities
Step 4: Permit Issuance and Display
Once approved, you'll receive a unique registration number that must be:
- Displayed prominently on the property (near primary entrance)
- Included in all advertisements and booking platforms
Required Documents, Permits, and Guidelines
Mandatory Registration Information
- Operator details: Name, address, email, telephone number
- Local contact person: Name, mailing address, physical address, 24/7 contact number
- Property information: Name, mailing and physical address
- Occupancy details: Number of sleeping rooms and maximum occupancy
- Additional documentation as determined by the Administrator
Safety and Compliance Requirements
- Fire extinguisher: Minimum one Class 2A:10B:C type (5lb standard) on each floor with enclosed space
- Tenant Information Sheet providing:
- Property's designated contact person with 24/7 phone number
- Occupancy limits established during registration
- Parking location details and fire lane restrictions
- Noise and lighting restrictions
- Trash collection information
- Other administrator-required information
Golf Cart Regulations
Any golf cart provided with the STR must comply with Chapter 23 of the City Code (Traffic & Motor Vehicles).
Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals
Occupancy Limits
- Maximum occupancy: Two adults per sleeping room plus four additional adults
- Children: Not counted in occupancy calculations
- Adult definition: Individual 12 years or older at time of rental
- Final determination: Made at permit issuance/renewal by Building Official
Registration and Renewal Fees
- Registration validity: Initial registration valid for 24 months from completion and payment
- Annual renewal: Required each calendar year (expires December 31st)
- Fee structure: Non-refundable per-unit fee established by City Council
- Payment deadline: Registration expires December 31st annually (not prorated)
Operational Requirements
- 24/7 Local Contact: Must respond in person within one hour to complaints
- Inspection cycle: Every 24 months unless immediate inspection required
- Mandatory evacuation: Required upon notice from City, County, or State
Violations and Enforcement
A permit may be denied, suspended, or revoked for:
- Three or more violations within 12 months
- False or misleading application information
- Advertising without valid permit
- Outstanding city fees, taxes, or fines
- Property transfer without new registration (within 60 days)
- Changed information not reported to city
Zoning and Use Restrictions
- STR operations cannot violate existing zoning, covenants, or deed restrictions
- Properties in homeowners associations must comply with HOA rules
- The more restrictive regulation prevails when conflicts exist
Contact Information for Local Authority
Primary STR Contact
Laura Marquardt
Short-Term Rental Specialist
Phone: 361-749-4111, ext. 227
Email: lmarquardt@cityofportaransas.org
Development Services Department
Nicole Boyer
Planning & Development Director
Phone: 361-749-4111, ext. 234
Tess Clark
Planning & Development Assistant
Phone: 361-749-4111, ext. 233
Alex Luzadas
Code Enforcement Officer
Phone: 361-749-4111, ext. 214
Carla Vanzant
Code Enforcement Officer
Phone: 361-749-4111, ext. 216
City Hall
Address: 710 W. Avenue A, Port Aransas, TX 78373
Phone: 361-749-4111
Fax: 361-749-4723
Email: info@cityofportaransas.org
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM AND 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Short-Term Rental Hotline
Phone: (361) 333-5659
Purpose: For property owner/manager, resident, and guest use
Response time: 60 minutes to resolve issues
Emergency notice: Always call 911 for actual emergencies
Source Links
- City STR Registration Page: cityofportaransas.org/departments/development-services/short-term-rental-registration/
- Online Registration Portal: portaransas.munirevs.com
- Full STR Ordinance (PDF): cityofportaransas.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Short-Term-Rental-Ordinance.pdf
- Code of Ordinances: library.municode.com/tx/port_aransas/codes/code_of_ordinances
- Short Term Rental Information 2024 (PDF): cityofportaransas.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Short-Term-Rental-Information-2024.pdf
- Updated STR and Hotel Registration Fees Notice (PDF): cityofportaransas.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Notice-of-Updated-STR-and-Hotel-Registration-Fees.pdf
- Sanitation Map 2023 (PDF): cityofportaransas.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Sanitation-Map-2023-1.pdf
- Tenant Information Sheet (PDF): cityofportaransas.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tenant-Information-Sheet.pdf
- Trash Do's and Don'ts (PDF): cityofportaransas.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Trash-Dos-Donts.pdf
- HOT Tax Information 11-2024 (PDF): cityofportaransas.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HOT-Tax-Information-11-2024.pdf
Important Note: The city emphasizes collaboration and communication during the implementation of these regulations. If you have questions about the registration process, contact the STR Specialist directly to ensure smooth compliance and successful operation of your short-term rental property in Port Aransas.
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Overview of Port Aransas
Port Aransas is a small coastal city in Nueces County, Texas, situated on the northern end of Mustang Island along the Gulf of Mexico. The permanent population hovers around 3,500 to 4,000 residents, though the town swells dramatically during summer months and spring break as visitors pour in for sun and sand. It carries a laid-back, salty-fishing-village atmosphere mixed with classic Texas beach-town energy, and it functions primarily as a gateway to Mustang Island's 18 miles of shoreline. The nearest major city is Corpus Christi, roughly 30 miles to the southwest, though the trip involves a short ferry crossing between the island and the mainland at Aransas Pass, which can extend drive times to 45 minutes or more depending on the wait.
A natural anchor for any visit is Mustang Island State Park, a 3,800-plus-acre Texas park that wraps around the southern portion of the island just a few minutes' drive from the town's center. It offers five miles of protected beach, paddling and surf-fishing on the Gulf side, and calmer waters on the bay side for kayaking and wading. The park is a strong draw for families and outdoor travelers who want a more natural setting than the developed beachfront in town.
Within Port Aransas itself, the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center is a small but worthwhile stop, featuring a boardwalk loop through freshwater wetlands that regularly hosts herons, roseate spoonbills, and seasonal migrants. It sits just a short drive from the ferry landing and pairs naturally with the town's relaxed pace. Nearby, the Horace Caldwell Pier stretches more than 1,200 feet into the Gulf and is one of the longest free fishing piers in Texas, making it a fixture for both visitors and locals who cast from dawn to dusk.
For a longer day trip, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge lies across San Antonio Bay to the northeast, roughly an hour and a half by car including the ferry. The refuge is best known as the winter home of the endangered whooping crane and offers auto tours, observation towers, and hiking trails through coastal marsh and oak mottes, making it a strong complement to a beach-focused stay.
Port Aransas appeals to short-term-rental investors because it combines an island setting with consistent Gulf Coast demand, an established tourism identity, and proximity to the broader Corpus Christi market. The mix of beach access, protected parkland, birding, and fishing gives the town year-round appeal, and the ferry crossing only adds to its sense of escape — exactly the kind of place travelers happily book a return visit to.
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