If you own or operate a short-term rental property in San Antonio, the City has announced significant permit fee increases taking effect October 1, 2026 — and the numbers are striking. Acting before the deadline could save you hundreds of dollars.
What's Changing
The City of San Antonio's Development Services Department has approved the following fee adjustments as part of its adopted fee schedule:
- Owner-Occupied (Type 1) permits — fees increase from $300 to $450, a 50% jump
- Non-Owner-Occupied (Type 2) permits — fees skyrocket from $450 to $1,000, a 122% increase
- Land Development Surcharge — a new 8% surcharge will now be added to all Land Development fees — an entirely new cost with no prior equivalent
What This Means for STR Owners
The timing of your application is critical. Any application submitted before October 1, 2026 will be processed at current rates. Applications submitted on or after October 1 — including resubmittals requiring a new application — will be subject to the new, higher fees.
Act Now and Save Up to $550
San Antonio STR permit renewals can be submitted up to 90 days before your permit expires. If your renewal window is approaching, submitting before October 1 is the smart financial move — potentially saving you $150 on a Type 1 permit or $550 on a Type 2 permit in the first year alone.
For questions, contact the City's Short-Term Rental Team at [email protected].
FAQs:
How much are San Antonio short-term rental permit fees increasing in 2026?
Owner-Occupied (Type 1) STR permits are increasing 50%, from $300 to $450. Non-Owner-Occupied (Type 2) permits are increasing 122%, from $450 to $1,000. A new 8% Land Development surcharge will also be added to all Land Development fees, effective October 1, 2026.
What is the deadline to avoid the San Antonio STR fee increases?
Applications submitted before October 1, 2026 will be processed at current rates. Any application submitted on or after October 1, 2026 — including resubmittals — will be subject to the new, higher fees.
How early can I renew my San Antonio short-term rental permit?
San Antonio STR permit renewals can be submitted up to 90 days before your permit expiration date, giving owners ample time to act before the October 1 deadline.
What is the difference between a Type 1 and Type 2 STR permit in San Antonio?
A Type 1 (Owner-Occupied) permit applies to short-term rentals where the owner lives on the property. A Type 2 (Non-Owner-Occupied) permit applies to investment properties where the owner does not reside on site. Type 2 permits are seeing the largest fee increase — from $450 to $1,000, a 122% jump.
Where can I get more information about San Antonio short-term rental permit fees?
Contact the City of San Antonio's Short-Term Rental Team at [email protected] or visit the Development Services Department website for the most current information.
