Waxahachie, Texas Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Waxahachie, Texas. As of October 16, 2023, the Waxahachie City Council approved Ordinance 3414, which establishes comprehensive regulations for short-term rentals within the city limits. STRs are permitted across all zoning districts, subject to specific requirements including Special Use Permits (SUP) in most areas and mandatory registration throughout the city.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Waxahachie?

Waxahachie hosts earn a median $29,446/year with $207 ADR and 54% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $47,518+ per year.

See the full Waxahachie market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Waxahachie

Step-by-Step Process

Zoning Verification
- Verify your property's zoning using the Interactive Zoning Map Tool
- Note that Central Area (CA) zoning allows STRs by right without SUP requirements
- All other districts require SUP approval plus registration
Special Use Permit (SUP) Application
- Submit SUP application to Planning Department
- Fee: $500
- Processing time: 10 business days for initial review, 5 days for resubmittals
- Public hearing required (15-day notice to surrounding properties within 500 feet)
- SUP is non-transferable with property ownership changes
Registration Process
- Complete registration through the city's online portal
- Annual fee: $300
- Registration valid for one year from issuance
- Must display registration number visibly near primary entrance
Inspection Requirements
- City inspection required as part of registration process
- Must comply with International Property Maintenance Code
- See Inspection Checklist for specific requirements
Ongoing Compliance
- Pay local Hotel Occupancy Tax (7%)
- Maintain $1 million insurance coverage
- Update registration information within 30 days of changes

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Special Use Permit Requirements

Completed SUP application
Site plan or survey showing existing property conditions
Floor plan with dimensional room layout
Property owner affidavit (if owner not operator)
Proof of $1 million liability insurance
Hotel Occupancy Tax receipt (if previously operating)
Host rules documentation

Registration Requirements

Property owner information (name, address, phone, email)
Designated local emergency contact (within 20 miles, 24-hour availability)
Floor plan submission
Site plan indicating maximum vehicle parking capacity
Informational brochure (see regulations section)
Hotel Occupancy Tax payment receipt
Registration fee payment ($300 annually)
Proof of $1 million insurance coverage
Local emergency contact display document (8.5" x 11")

Ongoing Operational Requirements

Maintain working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms
Provide fire extinguisher on premises
Install functional security cameras monitoring primary entrances/exits
Maintain 60-day video recording retention
Guest brochure with emergency information and restrictions
Annual registration renewal

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Restrictions

Maximum two adult guests per bedroom
Maximum two additional adults permitted
Total maximum occupancy: 10 persons (including adults, children, and owner)
Cannot rent to multiple groups simultaneously under separate contracts
No overlapping rentals or partial rentals permitted

Parking Requirements

One off-street parking space per bedroom
Maximum five off-street parking spaces (excluding owner's vehicles)
Parking prohibited on grass or unpaved surfaces
Golf carts, ATVs, recreational vehicles, and trailers prohibited

Prohibited Activities

Operating without valid SUP and registration
Advertising unregistered STRs
Rentals less than 24 hours
Converting garages to living space for STR use
Adding bedrooms through remodeling without approval
Creating additional parking by paving without city approval

Use Restrictions

No parties, social gatherings, or entertainment events
Cannot be used for retail, restaurant, banquet space, or event space
No temporary housing for sex offenders
No sober living homes or recovery facilities
No illegal drug or alcohol sales
No sexually oriented businesses

Nuisance Provisions

Properties with three+ substantiated nuisance complaints within 12 months (prior to Oct 16, 2023) ineligible for SUP/registration
Progressive enforcement: 1st violation ($500 fine), 2nd violation ($1,000 fine), 3rd violation (6-month registration ban)

Refuse and Recycling Requirements

All refuse in sealed, leak-proof plastic bags
Use appropriate city polycarts with lids completely closed
Place at collection points by 6:45 AM on collection day
Cannot place polycarts before 7:00 PM day before collection
Additional polycarts available for additional fee

Financial Obligations

Hotel Occupancy Tax: 7% local rate
Registration fee: $300 annually
SUP fee: $500 (one-time, non-transferable)
Late registration fee: 1.5x standard fee

Penalties for Violations

Maximum fine: $2,000 per offense
Each day of violation constitutes separate offense
Registration suspension/revocation possible
Three violations within 12 months result in 6-month registration prohibition

County and State-Level Regulations

Ellis County

No specific county-level STR regulations were identified in the provided content. STR operations must comply with all applicable county codes and ordinances.

Texas State Requirements

Hotel Occupancy Tax compliance under Texas Tax Code Chapter 156
Must comply with all state health and safety codes
Short-term rentals classified as "hotels" for tax purposes under Section 156.101

Contact Information

Primary STR Authority

Waxahachie Planning Department

Contact Person: Oanh Vu
Phone: 469-309-4290
Email: planning@waxahachie.com
Address: 408 S. Rogers, Waxahachie, Texas 75165

General City Contact

Phone: 469-309-4000
Address: 408 S. Rogers, P.O. Box 757, Waxahachie, Texas 75168

Online Resources

STR Registration Portal: waxahachie.munirevs.com/
Interactive Zoning Map: Available through Planning Department GIS services

Source Pages and Links

Official City Resources

Main STR Information Page: www.waxahachie.com/departments/planning_department/short_term_rentals_(str.php
STR Restrictions: www.waxahachie.com/departments/planning_department/restrictions.php
City Ordinance 3414 (Full Text): cms7files.revize.com/waxahachietx/City%20Ord%20No.%203414%20-%20Short-Term%20Rentals.pdf
STR Registration Portal: waxahachie.munirevs.com/
STR FAQ Document: www.waxahachie.com/document_center/planning/STR/STR-frequetly%20asked%20questions.pdf

Supporting Documents

MuniCode Library: library.municode.com/tx/waxahachie
Current STR Cases Dashboard: experience.arcgis.com/experience/530f2e428cf240d4b4761ed6dedbbb90/

This guide represents the complete regulatory framework for short-term rental operations in Waxahachie, Texas, as of the latest available information. Investors should verify current requirements with the Planning Department before proceeding with any STR investment or operation.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Waxahachie

Waxahachie is a small city in north-central Texas, serving as the county seat of Ellis County. With a population of roughly 35,000 residents, it carries the well-earned nickname of the "Gingerbread City" thanks to its remarkable collection of Victorian-era architecture, much of it constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when cotton wealth fueled elaborate building projects. The town has a classic small-town Texas character, with a walkable historic downtown, tree-lined streets, and a strong civic identity tied to its annual festivals and heritage tourism. Waxahachie sits about 30 miles south of downtown Dallas, placing it firmly within the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area's commuting belt while retaining a distinct sense of place of its own.

The Ellis County Courthouse is the city's defining landmark and one of the most photographed buildings in Texas. Completed in 1897, this massive Romanesque Revival structure features a five-story clock tower, intricate limestone detailing, and a series of murals depicting regional history inside its dome. Located in the heart of downtown Waxahachie, the courthouse anchors the surrounding square, where locally owned shops, cafés, and antique stores occupy the surrounding Victorian-era storefronts. Visitors can walk to nearly all of the downtown attractions in a matter of minutes.

Each spring, the area just south of Waxahachie hosts the Scarborough Renaissance Festival, one of the largest and longest-running Renaissance fairs in the United States. Held on weekends from early April through late May, the festival transforms wooded grounds into a recreated 16th-century English village complete with armored jousters, artisan crafters, period musicians, and themed food and drink. It draws tens of thousands of visitors each weekend, and short-term rentals in and around Waxahachi often see strong occupancy during the festival's run.

A short drive west of the courthouse, the Ellis County Museum occupies a complex of historic buildings and offers an in-depth look at the region's pioneer, agricultural, and Civil War history. The museum is especially known for its preserved log cabin, vintage farm equipment, and exhibits on the cotton economy that built the area. Combined with nearby Getzendaner Memorial Park, where walking trails wrap around a small lake, the museum forms a relaxed complement to the busier downtown and festival crowds.

Waxahachie's appeal as a short-term rental market comes from its blend of small-town charm, distinctive architecture, and recurring seasonal events. Its proximity to the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex brings steady visitor traffic, while its own identity, anchored by the courthouse square, the Scarborough Festival, and a tight cluster of historic sites, gives travelers a reason to stay in town rather than simply pass through. For owners, that mix of year-round regional tourism and a few well-timed annual draws makes the city a quietly dependable market.