Short-Term Rental and Preservation Bonus Amendments

The City of Austin is considering changes to the Land Development Code in February and April 2025. These changes could affect how your property or properties near you may be developed or used in the future.  

The proposed changes include:

• Short-Term Rental Code Amendments: Modify regulations to allow short-term rental (STR) use with City approval. Adopt new regulations for STR owners, operators, and platforms. (ADOPTED)
• Preservation Bonus Code Amendment: Increase the interior square footage allowed for two new housing units if an existing housing unit is preserved. This amendment will not allow for increased impervious cover. 

For more information:

• Background (PDF)

The public hearings on these proposed amendments will be held at Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd St., on the following dates:  

Short Term Rental - ADOPTED

• Tuesday, Feb. 4, 1 p.m. - Joint Planning Commission and City Council Meeting  
• Tuesday, Feb. 11, 6 p.m. - Planning Commission Meeting  
• Thursday, Feb. 27, 10 a.m. - City Council Meeting  

Preservation Bonus

• Tuesday, April 1, 2 p.m. - Joint Planning Commission and City Council Meeting  
• Tuesday, April 8, 6 p.m. - Planning Commission Meeting  
• Thursday, April 24, 10 a.m. - City Council Meeting  

The Austin community is encouraged to attend these meetings to learn more about these proposed changes and give feedback.

Participants must register in advance to speak at the public hearing. For more information on registering, visit the "How to Participate" tab at the top of this page.

Protest Rights

Under State Law, property owners have the right to protest proposed changes to zoning regulations. To learn more about Protest Rights, click the "Protest Rights" tab at the top of this page. 

Feedback on Proposed Changes

Give feedback on the proposed changes. Click the "participate" buttons to engage.

Update on Short-Term Rental Amendments

On February 27, the Austin City Council adopted changes to short-term rental (STR) regulations in the City of Austin. These amendments align with state regulatory changes and updates in technology.   

The following changes will go into effect on October 1, 2025: 

• STRs will be primarily regulated through Title 4 of the City’s code on business regulations and permit requirements, instead of the Land Development Code. 
• STRs will continue to be allowed in all residential areas, as long as the owner has a valid license.
• The Austin City Council also adopted an ordinance requiring STR platforms to collect Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) on behalf of their users. This change will go into effect on April 1, 2025. 

Further discussion about proposed changes to STR regulations will continue this summer following the conclusion of the 89th Texas Legislative Session. 

As the Development Services Department works to implement these changes, updates will be posted on the City’s Short-Term Rental webpage.