Thinking about turning a home in the Islands of Rockport into a short‑term rental? You are not alone. Buyers, sellers, and owners all want clear answers before they list, invest, or close. In this guide, you will learn what Rockport allows, what permits and taxes you need, and a simple checklist to verify any specific address in the Islands of Rockport. Let’s dive in.
Short answer for Islands of Rockport
If your property sits inside Rockport city limits, short‑term rentals are allowed with a City permit and compliance with operating rules. Rockport’s 2024 STR program requires registration, inspections, and ongoing standards for safety and conduct. Private rules can also apply. The Islands of Rockport HOA or recorded deed restrictions may prohibit or limit STRs, and those rules are separate from City approval. Always verify both City and HOA status for your exact lot. You can review the City’s STR rules in Ordinance No. 1928.
Rockport STR rules at a glance
Permit and registration
- A City permit is required before you advertise or host. Registration is per unit and includes a unique permit number that must appear in all listings, per Ordinance No. 1928.
- Fees: $150 initial per unit and $100 annual renewal. Renewals follow the calendar year.
- Inspections: an inspection is required before permit issuance, and a live inspection is required every two years.
- Local contact: designate a local, 24‑hour contact who can respond by phone or in person within 24 hours to complaints.
Occupancy, safety, and conduct
- Occupancy: maximum guests equal three times the number of sleeping rooms per dwelling unit. The ordinance excludes children from this calculation.
- Safety: working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and at least one type A fire extinguisher.
- Guest info posting: inside the unit, post the permit number, emergency contacts, evacuation route, parking, garbage instructions, and local rules.
- Compliance: follow City noise, garbage, and parking ordinances and pass inspections as required. See details in Ordinance No. 1928.
Enforcement and changes in ownership
- Violations can result in Class C misdemeanors, fines, and permit suspension or revocation. Owners may appeal revocations.
- A change of ownership requires a new STR permit. Grandfathered or nonconforming status can be lost at sale, per Ordinance No. 1928.
Taxes you must plan for
- Texas imposes a 6% state hotel occupancy tax. Read the Texas Comptroller’s guidance on platforms and filing in the HOT FAQ.
- Rockport collects a 7% local Hotel‑Motel Tax. See the City’s rate and filing info on the Hotel‑Motel Tax page.
- Some platforms may collect and remit part of the tax, but it varies by agreement. Confirm in writing what your platform covers and register with the state and City if needed.
Step‑by‑step: verify a specific property
Confirm city limits and parcel details. Use the Aransas County parcel search to verify the address and whether it lies inside Rockport city limits. Start with the county assessor resources here: Aransas County tax assessor info.
Check STR permit status and zoning. Go to Rockport’s Short Term Rentals page for the program and portal. Then contact the Building & Development Department to confirm zoning, whether the address has an active STR permit, and what inspections or fees apply. Record names and dates of any City staff you speak with.
Review inspection and safety items. Ask the owner or manager for the latest City inspection report and confirm required safety equipment is installed, as outlined in Ordinance No. 1928.
Verify hotel occupancy tax setup and history. Confirm local filings with the City finance office and check state filings with the Texas Comptroller. The City’s tax info is on the Hotel‑Motel Tax page, and state rules are in the HOT FAQ.
Check HOA and deed restrictions. Contact the Islands of Rockport HOA or its manager for CC&Rs, leasing rules, and an estoppel letter if you are buying or selling. You can find public HOA contact information here: Islands of Rockport HOA listing. For recorded deed restrictions, pull documents from the Aransas County Clerk.
Cross‑check platform listings. Some listings display a City permit number. For example, a Rockport Vrbo listing shows “Short Term Rental Permit #P‑00435” in the description. Use these as clues, then verify directly with the City. See an example listing here: Vrbo example with permit number.
If you are buying, add documents to your closing checklist. Require the seller to provide the current STR permit, inspection records, HOT receipts, and HOA estoppel/CC&Rs. Remember that a new owner must apply for a new permit after closing.
Pro tips for smoother compliance
- Keep a digital file with your permit, inspection reports, HOT filings, and HOA approvals.
- Include house rules that mirror City noise, parking, and trash standards in your guest guide.
- Set calendar reminders for annual permit renewal and the two‑year inspection cycle.
- If a platform claims to collect HOT, get written confirmation of what they remit and what you must file.
Get local help
You do not have to guess your way through permits, taxes, and HOA rules. If you are buying, selling, or setting up an STR in the Islands of Rockport, I can help you verify City compliance, review HOA documents, and position your home for the right guests and future resale. Let’s talk about your address and your goals. Connect with Shelly Griffin.
FAQs
Are short‑term rentals allowed in the Islands of Rockport?
- Yes, if the property is inside Rockport city limits and zoning allows the use, you can operate with a City STR permit, but HOA or deed restrictions may still prohibit STRs, so verify both with the City and your HOA as outlined in Ordinance No. 1928.
What is the maximum guest count in a Rockport STR?
- The ordinance sets maximum occupancy at three times the number of sleeping rooms per dwelling unit, and it excludes children from that calculation.
Do I need a new STR permit after buying a home?
- Yes, a change in ownership requires a new registration and permit, and any prior nonconforming or grandfathered status may not transfer under Ordinance No. 1928.
How much hotel occupancy tax will I owe in Rockport?
- Plan for 6% state HOT and 7% City HOT, confirm current rates with the City, and verify whether your platform collects any portion as explained in the Texas Comptroller’s HOT FAQ.
How do I confirm if the HOA allows STRs in the Islands of Rockport?
- Request the CC&Rs and leasing policy from the HOA or its manager and obtain an estoppel letter, and pull any recorded deed restrictions from the Aransas County Clerk.
Where do I start to register a Rockport STR?
- Begin on the City’s Short Term Rentals page to review instructions and access the online portal, then contact the Building & Development Department with zoning or inspection questions.
