HOW TO APPLY FOR A PERMIT
STEP 1
Request access to the online permitting system by emailing [email protected] with your name, permanent home address, email address, phone number, and the address of the property you intend to operate as a STR. You must receive a login and password before applying online.
STEP 2
Apply online. Be sure to include your Guest Information Guide and hotel occupancy tax account number with Avenu Insights (see next step).
STEP 3
Register with Avenu Insights to set up your hotel occupancy tax remittance and report filing. The ordinance requires that Hotel Occupancy Taxes be assessed and collected by short-term rental operators. The Code of Ordinances authorizes a hotel occupancy tax equal to 7% of the occupant's consideration where the cost of occupancy is at least $2 per day.
On the last business day of the month after the month of collection, entities required to collect the tax must file a report and remit the appropriate taxes. Failure to submit the report and remit payment is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine and a penalty of 15% of the tax due for every 30 days that the report is not filed or the payment is not made.
STEP 4
When notified, schedule your Life Safety Inspection to ensure your STR meets the ordinance’s life safety requirements. Inspections are also required for permit renewal. If an inspection fails, you will be assessed a Re-inspection Fee.
STEP 5
Receive your permit when your application is approved. The permit number must appear on all advertising and online listings.
ANNUAL RENEWAL
You should receive an email about a month before the expiration date reminding you to renew your STR Permit. Log in to your account and pay the fees due, which are a permit renewal fee and a Rental Inspection Fee. Alternatively, you may call Code Enforcement, 979-764-6363, and pay over the phone with a credit card. Then schedule your Life Safety Inspection. When it passes, your updated STR Permit will be issued