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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Seabrook, Texas within city limits, but they are heavily regulated. Seabrook permits short-term rentals defined as one- or two-family dwellings rented for overnight lodging for less than 30 days at a time. However, all STRs must obtain city permits and inspections before operation and before advertising on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, or HomeAway.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Seabrook

Step 1: Understand the Legal Framework

• Your property must be a one- or two-family dwelling within Seabrook city limits
• You cannot operate an STR until you have obtained all required permits
• Advertising is prohibited until permits are secured
• Properties must comply with all city ordinances and building codes

Step 2: Obtain Required Permits

• Apply for a Short-Term Rental Permit ($300 non-refundable fee)
• Complete initial inspection and obtain Certificate of Occupancy
• Secure fire safety compliance
• Register for hotel occupancy tax (7% rate)

Step 3: Prepare Your Property

• Install required fire safety equipment (Class 2A:10B:C fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors)
• Create detailed floor plan showing sleeping areas, evacuation routes, and safety equipment locations
• Ensure bathroom facilities meet minimum International Residential Code standards (1 full bathroom per 5 occupants)

Step 4: Operational Setup

• Designate a 24/7 local emergency contact person
• Create guest information brochure/card with required details
• Establish parking arrangements that comply with zoning requirements
• Implement systems for collecting and remitting hotel occupancy tax

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Core Permits and Applications

• Short-Term Rental Permit Application ($300 fee) - Link to Application

Required Documentation

1. Property Contact List - Names, addresses, emails, and phone numbers of all owners, operators, and agents
2. Detailed Floor Plan identifying:
   • Sleeping areas
   • Proposed maximum occupancy
   • Evacuation routes
   • Locations of fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors
3. Tenant Information Card/Brochure containing:
   • Owner/operator/agent contact information and 24-hour phone number
   • Parking restrictions and off-street parking locations
   • Trash collection schedules
   • Noise restrictions per City Code Chapter 55
   • Emergency contact numbers (police, fire, EMS)
   • Floor plan with evacuation routes
4. Sworn Statement affirming compliance with all city requirements

Safety Equipment Requirements

• Minimum one Class 2A:10B:C fire extinguisher (5lb standard) per floor with enclosed space
• Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors per City Building and Fire Codes
• All safety equipment must be mounted conspicuously and conveniently for occupants

Tax Registration

• Hotel Occupancy Tax Registration (7% rate)
• Payment Portal
• Contact: Michael Gibbs (mgibbs@seabrooktx.gov)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Seabrook

Operational Requirements

• Maximum Occupancy: Two occupants per sleeping room plus two additional occupants per dwelling
• Minimum Bathroom Facilities: One full bathroom (washbasin, toilet, tub or shower) per five occupants
• Guest Age Restriction: Cannot rent to guests under 21 years of age
• Contact Person: Must provide 24-hour emergency contact who can respond within one hour

Advertising and Permit Display

• Permit Number Required: Must be displayed in all advertising
• Inspection Information: Include maximum occupancy and health & life-safety inspection expiration date in advertisements
• Permit Display: City-issued permit must be posted prominently inside the property
• Signage Prohibited: No external signage indicating STR status allowed on or off premises

Parking and Zoning Compliance

• Must comply with Zoning Ordinance parking requirements
• No parking permitted in public right-of-way or access easements
• Yards cannot be used for required parking
• Landscaped areas cannot be used for parking

Tax Obligations

• City Hotel Occupancy Tax: 7% rate
• Must be paid monthly by the 15th of the following month
• Delinquent payment constitutes grounds for permit non-renewal or revocation

Permit Renewal and Transfer

• Initial permit valid for 24 months
• Subsequent renewals on annual calendar year basis
• Renewal deadline: December 31st
• Permits not transferable to new property owners
• New owners must apply within 60 days of property transfer

Prohibited Uses

• Operating without valid permit
• Non-compliance with city/state laws and codes
• Failure to pay hotel occupancy taxes
• Allowing guests under 21
• External STR signage
• Using tents, hammocks, RVs, or vehicles as STRs
• Permitting STR use of non-residential outdoor areas

Enforcement and Inspections

• Initial inspection required for permit issuance and renewals
• Inspections upon reported violations or suspected non-compliance
• Fire extinguisher maintenance is owner's responsibility
• Violations can result in permit suspension, revocation, or denial of renewal

Complaint Response

• Contact person must respond to complaints within one hour
• Must attempt to contact occupants within one hour of city contact
• Second complaint with citation may trigger additional enforcement action

State-Level Regulations (Texas)

While Seabrook has specific local ordinances, Texas state law requires:

• State Hotel Occupancy Tax: 6% (collected in addition to local 7% tax for total of 13%)
• Local Hotel Occupancy Tax: Varies by jurisdiction (Seabrook's is 7%)
• Properties must comply with Texas Health and Safety Code requirements
• Consumer protection laws under Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act apply

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary STR Authority

Community Development Department

• Phone: (281) 291-5669
• Email: permits@seabrooktx.gov

Specific Contacts

Sean Landis
Assistant City Manager / Planning and Zoning Director
Email: slandis@seabrooktx.gov

Nick Kondejewski
Building Official / Floodplain Administrator
Phone: (281) 291-5638
Email: nickk@seabrooktx.gov

Kevin Rodgers
Fire Marshal
Phone: (281) 291-5787
Email: krodgers@seabrooktx.gov

Michael Broussard
Building Inspector
Email: mbroussard@seabrooktx.gov

Code Enforcement Email: code@seabrooktx.gov

• Alana Rohlfs
• Laura Power

Tax-Related Contacts

Michael Gibbs (Hotel Occupancy Tax)
Email: mgibbs@seabrooktx.gov

General City Information

Address: 1700 1st Street, Seabrook, TX 77586
Phone: (281) 291-5600
Website: www.seabrooktx.gov/471/Contact-the-City

Links to Source Pages

1. Primary STR Information: www.seabrooktx.gov/703/Short-Term-Rentals
2. Permit Application: seabrooktx.gov/FormCenter/Community-Development-13/ShortTerm-Rental-Permit-Application-92
3. Municipal Code: library.municode.com/tx/seabrook/codes/code_of_ordinances
4. STR Ordinance No. 2022-07: library.municode.com/tx/seabrook/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH18BUBURE_ARTVIIIREOWREPRUSSHRMRE
5. Hotel Occupancy Tax Payment: www.municipalonlinepayments.com/seabrooktx/easypay/81tRrF9bhUm7ZFAjLRc8BA/hotel-occupancy-tax-payment
6. Noise Ordinance Reference: library.municode.com/tx/seabrook/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH55NUMIPR_ARTIINO

Key Investment Considerations

Financial Requirements

• Initial permit fee: $300
• Annual renewal fee: $300
• Hotel occupancy tax: 13% total (6% state + 7% local)
• Property modifications to meet safety requirements
• Insurance and bonding requirements

Compliance Risks

• Operating without permit carries significant penalties
• Failure to respond to complaints within required timeframes
• Advertising violations
• Tax delinquency can prevent permit renewal
• Code enforcement actions can result in permit revocation

Market Considerations

• Peak season demand driven by coastal tourism
• Steady year-round demand from NASA Johnson Space Center visitors
• Competition from established STR management companies
• Hurricane season preparedness essential for coastal properties

This guide provides comprehensive information for STR investors considering Seabrook, Texas. Always verify current regulations with city authorities as ordinances and requirements may change.