Regulations >
Texas >
Randolph Afb

Want to see how Randolph Afb compares to other top cities in Texas?  Explore all city regulations in Texas. →

B

Randolph Afb, TX

Generally Investor Friendly

Local STR Agent

Local STR Agent

Randolph Afb STR Expert
Randolph Afb, Texas skyline

STR Regulations for Randolph Afb, Texas

Overview

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in the Randolph AFB, TX area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the City of San Antonio and Bexar County. Randolph AFB is located within the San Antonio metropolitan area, and short-term rental operations in this market are subject to comprehensive municipal regulations. The City of San Antonio has established a detailed framework for short-term rental operations that applies to properties within its city limits, including areas surrounding Randolph AFB.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Randolph Afb?

Randolph Afb hosts earn a median $28,904/year with $151 ADR and 66% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $37,096+ per year.

See the full Randolph Afb market breakdown

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

Step 1: Determine Your STR Type

San Antonio categorizes short-term rentals into two distinct types:

  • Type 1 STR: Owner-occupied properties where the property owner makes their legal residence at the site (evidenced by voter registration, vehicle registration, or similar means)
  • Type 2 STR: Properties that are not occupied by the owner

Step 2: Obtain Required Permits

All short-term rentals located inside City limits must obtain a Short Term Rental permit through the Development Services Department. The application process requires comprehensive documentation and compliance verification.

Step 3: Register for Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT)

Every STR owner/operator must collect and remit Hotel Occupancy Tax monthly, regardless of whether there are taxable room receipts. Registration with the City of San Antonio Finance Department is mandatory before permit issuance.

Step 4: Complete Safety and Compliance Requirements

Properties must meet all applicable city-adopted codes, including fire safety, occupancy limits, and life safety requirements.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permit Requirements

Short Term Rental Permit Application

  • One-time application fee: $200.00
  • Renewal fee: $100.00 (every 3 years)
  • Application includes:
    • Complete ownership/operator/agent information with names, addresses, current email addresses, and telephone numbers
    • Sketch or narrative describing available parking spaces
    • Floor plan sketch identifying sleeping areas, proposed maximum guests, evacuation routes, and fire extinguisher locations
    • 24-hour emergency contact information for owner, operator, or designated agent
    • Written confirmation from City Finance Department showing HOT registration
    • Statement of compliance with all standards and requirements
    • Proof of General Liability Insurance (minimum $500,000 per occurrence, $1,000,000 aggregate)

Additional Required Documentation

  • Initial inspection by Development Services Department
  • Annual independent fire extinguisher inspections
  • Compliance with San Antonio Property Maintenance Code occupancy limits
  • Life safety equipment compliance (smoke/CO2 detectors, emergency escape openings)

Insurance Requirements

  • General Liability Insurance: Minimum $500,000 per occurrence, $1,000,000 aggregate

Tax Registration Requirements

  • Hotel Occupancy Tax registration with City of San Antonio Finance Department
  • Monthly HOT reporting and remittance through online portal

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning and Location Requirements

Type 1 STRs (Owner-Occupied)

  • Permitted in all residential zoning districts
  • May include rental of less than entire dwelling unit if:
    • Sleeping area includes shared use of full bathroom
    • Owner is generally present at the licensed property
  • 1 parking space per unit required

Type 2 STRs (Non-Owner-Occupied)

  • Permitted in residential zoning districts subject to special restrictions
  • Must rent entire dwelling unit (no partial rentals)
  • Special exception required if within 300 feet laterally and 150 feet perpendicularly of another Type 2 STR
  • 1 parking space per unit required
  • Definite period permits not to exceed 3 years
  • Non-transferable to another owner, operator, or location

Safety and Life Safety Requirements

Fire Safety

  • 2A:10B:C type fire extinguisher (standard 5-pound) properly mounted within 75 feet of all portions on each floor
  • Smoke and CO2 detectors conforming to city-adopted codes
  • Every sleeping area must have at least one operable emergency escape and rescue opening
  • Evacuation plan posted conspicuously in each permitted sleeping area

Occupancy Limits

  • Maximum occupancy defined by San Antonio Property Maintenance Code
  • Non-compliant sleeping areas cannot be used and must remain locked when dwelling operates as STR
  • Non-compliant areas excluded from maximum occupancy calculations

Operational Requirements

Advertising and Signage

  • All advertisements (online and physical) must include STR permit number
  • Signage must comply with city's current sign code
  • For Type 2 STRs: no advertising signs permitted; name plate not exceeding 1 square foot attached flat to main structure

Conduct and Noise

  • Operators responsible for informing occupants of relevant city codes
  • Excessive noise or disturbance prohibited (Chapter 21, Article III of Code of Ordinances)
  • Quiet hours and noise restrictions must be posted and enforced
  • No overnight outdoor sleeping or outdoor sleeping spaces for rent

Indoor Notification Requirements Operators must post in conspicuous location:

  • Maximum occupancy
  • Parking locations and prohibition of parking on landscaped areas
  • Quiet hours and noise restrictions
  • Restrictions on outdoor facilities
  • 24-hour contact person and phone number
  • Property cleanliness requirements
  • Trash pickup requirements and trash can locations
  • Flooding hazards and evacuation routes
  • Emergency numbers
  • Notice of occupancy and parking compliance requirements
  • STR permit, Health Department permit, and HOT registration information

Enforcement and Penalties

Violation Consequences

  • Operating without valid permit: criminal offense
  • Permit revocation if three or more confirmed citations issued within six months
  • Failure to pay HOT timely: permit revocation if arrearage not paid within 90 days
  • Violations punishable by $200-$500 fine per occurrence
  • Each day of violation constitutes separate offense

Revocation Procedures

  • Written notice provided for revocation
  • Cannot reapply for same property for 12 months after revocation
  • Appeals must be filed within 10 business days

Tax Obligations

Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Requirements

Monthly Reporting

  • All STRs must report HOT monthly even with no revenue
  • Filing due even if property not listed on platforms
  • Enter "0" for reporting periods with no revenue

Platform-Specific Requirements

  • Airbnb & Vrbo: These platforms remit HOT directly to State of Texas
  • Effective March 10, 2025: Platforms pay City HOT on behalf of operators
  • STR operators must:
    • Continue filing Bexar County HOT reports through Avenu
    • File City HOT reports through Avenu and pay any taxes not collected by platforms
  • Non-platform rentals: Must report and pay City and County HOT monthly through Avenu

Reporting Portal

  • Online portal administered through Avenu Insights & Analytics
  • New accounts: Register for HOT account number after STR registration
  • Changes to existing accounts: Look for notices from Avenu for updated account numbers
  • First online report due last day of month when account number received
  • Failure to report or pay results in penalty and interest fees

Contact Information

City of San Antonio Development Services Department

Avenu Insights & Analytics (HOT Tax Administration)

City of San Antonio - Customer Service

  • Phone: 3-1-1 or 210-207-6000
  • Website: www.sa.gov/Site-Footer/Contact-Us

Violation Reporting

  • Phone: 855-431-4818
  • Online: www.harmari.com/tipform-sanantonio

Source Links

  1. City of San Antonio Short-Term Rental Information: www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/Finance/Taxes-Fees/HOT/STR

  2. San Antonio STR Permit Information: www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/DSD/STR/Permits

  3. HOT Tax Online Payment Portal: www.hoteltaxonline.com

  4. San Antonio Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Draft): docsonline.sanantonio.gov/FileUploads/dsd/ShortTermRentalDRAFTOrdinance.pdf

  5. Account Number Search: hoteltaxonline.com/ShortTermRentalPermit/

  6. San Antonio Development Services Department: www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/DSD

Important Note: Randolph AFB operates as a military installation, and properties on the installation itself may be subject to additional federal regulations and restrictions. Properties in the surrounding civilian areas (Universal City, Schertz, etc.) that are within San Antonio city limits will be subject to the regulations outlined above. Properties outside San Antonio city limits may be subject to Bexar County regulations instead. Always verify jurisdictional requirements for your specific property location.

Next step

Found a property in Randolph Afb?

Paste any address and get estimated revenue, cash-on-cash return, and comparable STR performance in under 5 minutes. 3 free analyses per day.

Ask the AI Advisor about Randolph Afb

Free brief

Get the free Randolph Afb STR Investment Brief

Revenue data, top neighborhoods, seasonal trends, and the key regulations for Randolph Afb, Texas in one email.

Randolph Afb

Market Saturation Score

036912
Mild Saturation
4/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
2–4 declining months: early saturation pressure - watch for trend persistence.
View Full Randolph Afb Market Analysis

Photos of Randolph Afb

Overview of Randolph Afb

Randolph Air Force Base is a major United States Air Force installation located in Universal City, Texas, just northeast of San Antonio in Bexar County. Often called "the Home of the Air Force" because the U.S. Air Force was officially established here in 1947, the base serves as the headquarters of the Air Education and Training Command and remains one of the busiest pilot training centers in the country. The surrounding community of Universal City has a population of roughly 20,000 residents, and the base itself sits approximately 20 miles east of downtown San Antonio, accessible via Interstate 35 and Loop 410. The area blends a quiet, suburban military-town atmosphere with quick access to one of Texas's largest metropolitan areas.

The most prominent nearby destination is the San Antonio River Walk, the city's famous network of stone walkways, restaurants, and shops lining the San Antonio River through the downtown core. About 20 to 25 minutes southwest of Randolph, the River Walk is a year-round draw for visitors and serves as a gateway to several historic sites, including The Alamo, the 18th-century Spanish mission that became an enduring symbol of Texan independence.

A short drive east of the base leads to Natural Bridge Caverns, one of the largest and most visited cave systems in Texas. Roughly 25 minutes from Randolph, the caverns offer guided underground tours, surface attractions such as zip lines and a maze, and family-friendly activities that make it a popular day trip for both tourists and military families stationed at the base.

For those interested in history and outdoor recreation, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park preserves a chain of four 18th-century Spanish missions along the San Antonio River, including Concepción, San José, San Juan, and Espada. About 30 minutes southwest of Randolph, the park combines cultural heritage with hiking and biking trails, and the missions collectively form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To the northeast, the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers in New Braunfels and Gruene offer tubing, kayaking, and a well-preserved 19th-century German townscape. Roughly 40 minutes from the base, the Gruene Historic District features dance halls, antique shops, and the famous Gruene Hall, one of the oldest continuously operating dance halls in Texas.

Randolph AFB offers short-term rental owners a stable, year-round demand base driven by military training, graduations, family visits, and permanent change-of-station moves, all within easy reach of San Antonio's cultural attractions and the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country.

Want to know if a property in Randolph Afb is a good investment?

Enter an address to get instant revenue potential and comps.