How to Apply for the STR License to Setup an Airbnb in San Antonio

Kenneth Anshewitz
Apr 28
3 min read

Updated: Apr 28

If you're looking to start an Airbnb or other short-term rental in San Antonio, you’ll need to secure a city-issued permit. Here’s the executive rundown on how to get it done quickly and correctly.

Key Facts Upfront

Permits are valid for 3 years — non-transferable
Permits required for each unit you intend to list
Issued within 5 business days after complete application
Costs:
- Type 1 (Owner/Operator-Occupied): $300
- Type 2 (Non-Occupied): $450

Step 1: Gather Your Requirements

Before you touch the online portal, you need to compile these details:

✔️ Contact Information:

Property Owner Name
Applicant Name (if different)
Designated Operator (person on call at all hours which can be the owner)

✔️ Floor Plan and Parking Plan:

Maximum number of guests
Location of all fire extinguishers
Indicate all sleeping areas
Emergency evacuation routes
Designated off-street parking spaces

If applicants need step by step portal instructions, they can use the Short Term Rental Registration guide provided by the City of San Antonio.

The Airbnb Floor Plan Tool is complete with copy and paste icons for emergency exits and fire extinguisher locations. You simply upload photos of your floor plan or create one with AI using the dimensions and number of rooms.

✔️ Owner Authorization (if needed) If you’re not the property owner, you'll need a notarized authorization form. No shortcuts.

✔️ Proof of Ownership Staff checks Bexar County Appraisal District (BCAD) records. If you’re a new owner, a recorded warranty deed is required.

✔️ Payment Method Be ready to pay online (credit card or e-bank). No refunds, no exceptions.

✔️ Zoning Check STRs are allowed in residential zones — but not allowed in:

C-3 (General Commercial)
L (Light Industrial)
I-1, I-2 (Industrial zones)

Use the One Stop Zoning Map to verify.

✔️ Density Limits If your blockface (aka one side of the street) already has too many STRs, you’ll need a Special Exception from the Board of Adjustment. That’ll run you an extra $400–$600. This is why Alamo Leases emphasizes applying for the STR license even if the thought if doing Airbnb has crossed your mind.

Step 2: Submit Your Application Online

Once you’re locked and loaded, head to San Antonio’s Citizen Access Portal and follow these moves:

Create/Login to your account.
Land Development Tab → Create Application → Short-Term Rental Application
Add Contacts
- Property Owner
- Designated Operator (must have a 24/7 phone number)
Upload Documents
- Floor Plan (with exits, fire extinguishers, etc.)
- Off-Street Parking Plan
- Owner Permission (if you're the tenant)
STR Type Selection
- Type 1: Owner or operator-occupied.
- Type 2: Investment property (non-occupied).
Premises Info Basic property details.
Hotel Occupancy Taxpayer Number
- New apps get assigned one automatically after approval.
- Renewals will need to input their prior HOT account number.
Acknowledgments & Disclaimers Read, click, and move forward.
Payment Lock in your $300 or $450 fee via credit card or e-bank.
Confirmation After payment, you’ll receive:
- Record ID
- Receipt Email
- Ongoing status updates inside the portal and email.

Pro Tip: Simplify Your Setup

🔧 Floor Plan Creation Tool (PowerPoint) Create your required STR floor plan faster than a contractor can return your call.

📈 Airbnb Financial Model (Excel) If you’re serious about profitability (and you should be), I’ve built a no-nonsense Airbnb financial model in Excel. From nightly rates to occupancy assumptions to cash flow — everything you need to forecast your short-term rental business accurately.

💵 Airbnb Profitability Estimator The Airbnb Earnings Estimator projects income by looking at bookings for similar listings in the area and factoring in nightly rates and average occupancy. We recommend searching Airbnb for homes in your area and make sure to account for the ~15% Airbnb take rate when estimating earnings.

The Airbnb Financial Model Tool estimates earnings by multiplying average nightly rates by the number of nights you plan to host. It helps account for taxes, cleaning, and maintenance under difference scenarios.

Final Word

If you’re serious about operating a professional, compliant, and profitable STR business in San Antonio, this is your starting line. Would you rather rent rooms and need insights to the eviction process and lease agreement templates? Tap into resources like Alamo Leases Premium to stay ahead of the curve. So far, renting rooms has been more profitable compared to Airbnb earnings.