Compliance Checklist for New STR Owners & Hosts*
New to hosting in San Antonio? Start with these steps to operate legally and confidently!
Understand the Current Law (Start Here)
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Read the 2024 San Antonio STR Ordinance and the Summary of Changes since the 2018 Ordinance.
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Confirm whether you need a Type 1 or Type 2 permit​​.
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Get familiar with the process on Development Services' website.
Learn the Basics of Permitting
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Read the presentation How to Get A Permit...
Research Your Address: Can I Get a Permit?
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The STR ordinance has density limitations for Type 2 (non-owner-occupied) STRs: no more than 12.5% of the addresses on a block face may be permitted, not including buildings zoned as multifamily. Before you apply for a permit, find out if your street already has too many STRs. Learn how to use the zoning map here. You can and should also verify this information with the city, see next step.
Apply for an STR Permit
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Download the Permit Quick Reference Guide.
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Use the city’s permitting system: BuildSA
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Keep the city permit staff contact email handy: dsdshorttermrentals@sanantonio.gov​
Set Up Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Correctly
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Review STRASA’s presentation on HOT collection & remittance.
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Set up your booking platform and PMS to collect HOT only on stays up to 29 days long. Guests staying 30 days or longer do not owe tax, and these bookings should be reported as $0, as they are exempt.
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The latest STR/HOT information from the Finance Department is here.
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Here is a link to Avenu for monthly reporting of HOT. Avenu is the city's HOT collection vendor.
*We make every effort to make sure this information is correct and up to date. Please double check with the City and other authorities to make sure you are complying with the ordinance.