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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Weatherford, TX as of June 1, 2025, when the city approved comprehensive regulations for Short-Term Rentals within city limits. The City Council enacted Ordinance O2025-05, establishing a regulatory framework that permits STR operations while ensuring community standards and safety compliance.

STRs are permitted in specific zoning districts including residential areas (RE, SF 8.5, SF 7.5, R1, R2, R3) where they are a permitted use, as well as mixed-use areas such as the CN Central Neighborhood and CBD Central Business District. The city has implemented a capped system limiting STRs to no more than 25% of the total number of residential units on a block face.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Weatherford, TX

Step 1: Verify Property Eligibility

1. Check Zoning Compliance: Use the city's GIS Mapping Tool to verify your property is located within city limits and in an approved zoning district
2. Confirm STR Eligibility: Ensure your property is a single-family detached residence, accessory dwelling unit, or second-story commercial residential unit in permitted zoning districts
3. Verify Block Face Cap: Confirm that STRs haven't reached the 25% limit on your block face (at least one STR is permitted per block face)

Step 2: Register for Hotel Occupancy Tax

Must be completed BEFORE submitting STR permit application

• Register with the city's finance department to pay Hotel Occupancy Taxes
• Complete Texas Online Filing & Registration through Avenu Insights & Analytics
• Remit all applicable hotel occupancy taxes in accordance with local and state laws

Step 3: Obtain Required Insurance and Documentation

• Secure liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1 million
• Prepare floor plan and parking plan documentation
• Develop host rules and guest safety information packet
• Ensure compliance with all safety equipment requirements

Step 4: Submit STR Permit Application

• Complete and submit the STR application form
• Pay application fee of $400 for initial two-year permit
• Schedule and complete required fire marshal inspection
• Receive approval and permit number for advertising

Step 5: Begin Operations

• Include valid city permit number in all advertisements
• Designate a local contact available to respond within 1 hour
• Implement occupancy limits and stay duration restrictions
• Ensure ongoing compliance with all regulations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Licenses

1. STR Permit: Required for all rentals under 30 days within city limits

   • Initial two-year permit: $400
   • Renewal (every two years): $400
   • Valid through June 1 of following even-numbered year
   • Applications between periods subject to prorated fees

2. Hotel Occupancy Tax Registration: Required prior to STR permit application

   • Must be completed with city finance department
   • Ongoing tax remittance obligations

Required Documentation for STR Permit Application

• Property owner contact information and 24-hour local contact details
• Proof of hotel occupancy tax registration
• Parking plan and floor plan of the property
• Proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage)
• Required safety equipment certification
• Host rules and guest safety information packet
• Fire marshal inspection completion certificate

Required Safety Equipment and Standards

• Smoke alarms in every bedroom
• Carbon monoxide detectors (required if property has gas service or attached garage)
• Fire extinguishers with annual inspection requirements
• Clearly posted evacuation plan
• Interior bathroom access from all bedrooms (no exterior access or through other units)

Additional Required Guidelines

• Compliance with Chapter 15 of Title V of Official City Code
• Adherence to trash collection rules
• No on-premise STR signage permitted
• Maximum occupancy: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests
• Minimum stay: 24 hours; maximum stay: 29 days

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Weatherford, TX

Zoning and Location Restrictions

• Permitted Districts: RE, SF 8.5, SF 7.5, R1, R2, R3 residential zoning districts, plus CN Central Neighborhood and CBD Central Business District
• Prohibited Locations: Lake lots, planned development districts (unless explicitly permitting STRs)
• Block Face Cap: Maximum 25% of residential units per block face; minimum 1 STR permitted per block face
• Property Types: Single-family detached residences, accessory dwelling units, second-story commercial residential units

Operational Requirements

• Permit Display: Valid city permit number must appear in all advertisements
• Local Contact: Designated contact must respond within 1 hour of issues
• Parking: Guests must park on paved, approved surfaces only (driveways or designated areas); no parking on lawns or unpaved surfaces
• Signage: No on-premise STR signage permitted
• Events: No loud parties, events, or outdoor sleeping allowed

Safety and Inspection Requirements

• Fire Marshal Inspection: Required before permit issuance
• Annual Fire Inspections: Required for permit renewals
• Fire Extinguisher: Annual inspection mandatory
• Reinspection Fee: $150 for failed inspections requiring follow-up
• Permit Revocation: Repeat violations may lead to permit revocation

Tax and Fee Obligations

• Hotel Occupancy Tax: Must register and remit taxes per local and state requirements
• Permit Fees: $400 initial application, $400 renewal, $150 reinspection
• Prorated Fees: Applications between periods calculated in six-month increments

Compliance and Enforcement

• Advertising Restrictions: Permit number required in all advertisements
• Occupancy Violations: Strict enforcement of maximum occupancy limits
• Noise and Nuisance: Subject to 24/7 complaint hotline enforcement
• Permit Transferability: Permits are non-transferable; new owners must reapply within 30 days

Contact Information for Local Authority in Charge of STRs

Primary Contact: Development Services Department

Physical Address:
548 Santa Fe Drive
Weatherford, TX 76086

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 255
Weatherford, TX 76086

Phone: 817-598-4284
Fax: 817-598-4487
Email: planning@weatherfordtx.gov

Extension 3 for STR-specific inquiries

City General Contact

Address:
303 Palo Pinto Street
Weatherford, TX 76086

Phone: 817-598-4000

STR Application and Processing Support

Avenu Customer Service Registration:
Phone: 1-877-352-3277, ext. 5
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

24/7 STR Complaint Hotline

Hotline: 888-351-4696
Online Portal: 24/7 Complaint Service
Purpose: Report excessive noise, littering, overcrowding, or parking violations

Links to Source Pages

Official City Resources

• Weatherford STR Regulations Main Page
• STR Application Form
• GIS Mapping Tool for STR Location Verification
• STR FAQ Page

Required Documents and Forms

• STR Application Quick Reference Guide
• STR Inspection Checklist
• STR Occupant Notification Packet
• STR Ordinance O2025-05
• STR Flyer

Tax and Compliance Resources

• Texas Online Filing & Registration - Hotel Occupancy Tax
• Tax Filing and Registration Information
• 24/7 Complaint Service Portal

News and Updates

• Weatherford Democrat - STR Compliance Article
• Yahoo News - Weatherford STR Compliance Coverage
• STRisker Daily Regulatory Notes

Important Note for Investors: All STR permits must be renewed every two years, with renewals occurring on June 1st of even-numbered years. The city has implemented strict enforcement protocols, including potential permit revocation for repeat violations. Investors should maintain continuous compliance with all safety, operational, and tax requirements to preserve permit status and avoid enforcement actions.