Port Arthur, Texas Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Port Arthur, TX. The Port Arthur City Council approved an ordinance (PO 7302) on January 14, 2025, establishing a regulatory framework for STRs. Key requirements include obtaining a city permit, registering properties, and paying a 7% local hotel occupancy tax (HOT). Implementation is targeted for May 1, 2025, with active enforcement planned.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Port Arthur

Understand Zoning Compliance: Verify your property’s zoning allows short-term rentals. Contact the Planning & Zoning Division at 409-983-8135 or 409-983-8139 for verification. Consult the City Code of Ordinances (Municode) Appendix A: Zoning for permitted uses.
Obtain Required Permits: Apply for the city STR permit through the upcoming online registration portal (details pending staff implementation).
Set Up Tax Compliance: Register to collect and remit the 7% local hotel occupancy tax (HOT). Evaluate options for platform-based tax collection (e.g., Airbnb/VRBO integration).
Utilize Resources: Leverage tools like the Granicus platform (launching October 2025) for compliance monitoring and reporting. Use the city’s dedicated STR webpage (under development) for guidance.
Coordinate with Platforms: Work with listing platforms (Airbnb, VRBO) to ensure tax remittance agreements are in place.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City STR Permit: Required to operate legally.
Registration Portal Submission: Properties must be registered with the city before renting.
Local Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Setup: Collect and remit the 7% local HOT.
Compliance Monitoring: Use Granicus services (cost: ~$30,000 annually) for ongoing compliance checks.
Zoning Verification: Ensure the property complies with zoning ordinances (contact Planning & Zoning).
Accessibility: Follow city website accessibility guidelines if listing on city platforms.

Specific Regulations (City, County, State)

City-Level (Port Arthur)

Permit Requirement: STRs must obtain a city permit (PO 7302).
Registration: Properties must be registered through an online portal.
Hotel Occupancy Tax: 7% local HOT is mandatory.
Implementation: Target start date May 1, 2025, with public outreach and a dedicated hotline for reporting non-compliance.
Enforcement Tools: Granicus platform for listing detection, third-party services (e.g., Rentalscape), and code enforcement.
Zoning Compliance: STRs must adhere to zoning district regulations (consult Municode code).

County-Level (Jefferson County)

No Specific County STR Rules Identified: Operate under state and city regulations unless county-level guidelines emerge.

State-Level (Texas)

State Hotel Occupancy Tax: Collect and remit the state’s HOT (6% as per management company guidance). Verify with the Texas Comptroller’s office.
No Statewide STR Registration: Compliance is primarily city-driven in Port Arthur.

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Port Arthur City Hall:
Phone: 409-983-8100
Address: 444 4th Street, Port Arthur, TX 77640
Planning & Zoning Division:
Phone: 409-983-8135 or 409-983-8134
Email: krystal.williams@portarthurtx.gov
Permitting/Inspections Department:
Phone: 409-983-8135 (general contact)
City Attorney’s Office: For legal guidance on ordinances (contact via City Hall).
Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Bureau:
Contact: Tammy Couture (per council meeting notes).

Links to Source Pages

City Council STR Ordinance Approval: Citizen Portal - Jan 14, 2025 Meeting
Implementation Planning: Citizen Portal - July 15, 2025 Meeting
City Website FAQ & Zoning: Port Arthur Planning & Zoning FAQ
City Code of Ordinances (Municode): Port Arthur Municipal Code
Building Permits & Applications: Port Arthur Inspections & Permitting

Important Notes for Investors

Stay Updated: Regulations are actively evolving; monitor the city’s dedicated STR webpage and council meeting videos.
Enforcement Strategy: The city will prioritize compliance through platform partnerships, tax remittance agreements, and public reporting via hotline.
Market Data: As of November 2024, ~95 STR listings were active on Airbnb/VRBO, generating an estimated $100,000-$200,000 in annual HOT revenue.

This guide provides a foundation for compliance in Port Arthur’s emerging STR market. Consult the city directly for real-time updates and specific permit applications.

Port Arthur is a city in the U.S. state of Texas, 90 mi (140 km) east of Houston. Part of the Beaumont–Port Arthur metropolitan area, Port Arthur lies primarily in Jefferson County, with a small, uninhabited extension in Orange County. The largest oil refinery in the United States, the Motiva Refinery, is located there.The population of Port Arthur was 53,818 at the 2010 census, down from 57,755 at the 2000 census. By 2020, its population had rebounded to 56,039. Early attempts at settlements in the area had all failed. However, in 1895, Arthur Stilwell founded Port Arthur, and the town quickly grew. Port Arthur was incorporated as a city in 1898 and soon developed into a seaport. It eventually became the center of a large oil refinery network. The Rainbow Bridge across the Neches River connects Port Arthur to Bridge City. Port Arthur is vulnerable to hurricanes and extensive damage to the city has been caused several times.

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