Port Aransas

Operating rules

Primary residence

No

Min stay (nights)

—

Max nights / year

—

Max occupancy

Two (2) persons per sleeping room plus an additional four (4) per dwelling; for residential properties with more than 3,250 sq ft of conditioned living space, two (2) per sleeping room plus an additional six (6).

Zoning-restricted

Yes

Cap on licenses

—

Zoning: Daily and weekly rentals are permitted only in areas zoned R-2 or higher. Registration does not override zoning or private deed restrictions/covenants that may prohibit STR use.

• A short term rental permit is not transferable.
• Owners delinquent on or owing city fees (occupancy tax, sanitation, or gas service) are prohibited from registering an STR until resolved.
• 24/7 designated local contact person required who must respond in person within one (1) hour to complaints regarding the condition, operation, or conduct of occupants.
• Required exterior sign (min 8"x18") at/near the primary entrance or a street-facing window showing registration number, max occupancy, and 24/7 contact name and phone; registration number must appear in advertising.
• Seasonal trash toter requirements (March 1 - Sept 8) scaled by number of legal sleeping rooms (1-2 rooms: 1 toter; 3-5: 2; 6+: 3).
• 2A:10B:C (standard 5 lb.) fire extinguisher required, mounted conspicuously and conveniently for occupants.

Enforcement

Active enforcement

yes

Fines

A violation is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.00 per offense, with each day a separate offense; for offenses governing fire safety, zoning, public health and sanitation the maximum is $2,000.00. A permit may be denied, suspended, or revoked for three (3) or more notices of violation within a twelve-month period, for false application information, operating without a valid permit, or tax/fee delinquency.

Notes

The city inspects STRs at registration and renewal and operates a complaint hotline (361-333-5659) with a 60-minute response protocol. A visual inspection by a code/building/fire/police officer revealing occupancy above the registered limit is prima facie evidence of a violation. Advertising a non-compliant unit is prima facie evidence of a violation. A dedicated Short-Term Rental Specialist administers the program.