Short Term Rental Owner

Renewal or New Permit Fee Schedule:  The standard STR permit fee is $450. However, owners who provide proof of an approved sound monitoring system may receive a credit of up to $150.

STR permits are valid for one calendar year and expire on December 31, regardless of the date of issuance. Permits for the upcoming year can be applied for starting November 1 and must be renewed annually to remain compliant.

STR Permit Application

Email completed form

Within 30 days of the owner applying for a Short-Term Rental Permit, the City of Kemah will conduct an on-site inspection of the property. The owner must allow this inspection, which will determine:

• Maximum occupancy
• Maximum on-site parking
• Whether the property meets minimum health and safety standards

If the property passes inspection, the City will issue a Short-Term Rental Permit. This permit will be valid for the rest of the calendar year. Starting November 1, permits for the following year may be issued.

If the property does not meet health and safety standards, the Building Official will notify the owner in writing with details about the issues that need to be addressed.

Hotel Occupancy Taxes

Under City Ordinance Chapter 90, Article III Hotel Occupancy Tax, the hotel occupancy tax rate for the City of Kemah is seven percent (7%) and is filed quarterly.

1st Quarter: January 1 thru March 30
Due Date: April 30
5% Penalty: May 1st

2nd Quarter: April 1 thru June 30
Due Date: July 31
5% Penalty: August 1

3d Quarter: July 1 thru September 30 
Due Date: October 31
5% Penalty: November 1

4th Quarter:  October 1 thru December 31
Due Date: January 31
5% Penalty:  February 1

How to File Hotel Occupancy Taxes?

File by using our HOT Reporting form. Submit the form here.

 ATTENTION:  If you are filing for more than one filing period, please complete a separate return for each period.

Do I file a quarterly Hotel Occupancy Tax Remittance form even if I did not have any receipts during the quarter?

YES. You will select the option to declare you did not have any taxable receipts on the remittance form and enter $0.00 taxable receipts and $0.00 tax due.

How Can I pay Hotel Occupancy Taxes?

After completing the Hotel Occupancy Tax Reporting Form, you may pay by check, money order, or credit card. 

To pay by credit card, call (281) 334-1611 or in person at City Hall, 1401 SH 146, Kemah.

To pay by check or money order:

Make payable to City of Kemah, TX 
c/o Hotel Occupancy Taxes 
1401 SH 146. 
Kemah, TX 77565 

During business hours, you may drop off your payment at City Hall, located at 1401 SH 146.

Owners or operators who demonstrate the implementation of an approved sound level monitoring and recording program or system may qualify for a reimbursement credit of up to $150.00.

Examples of approved systems include, but are not limited to:

• Minut
• Alertify
• NoiseAware
• Party Squasher
• WYND Sentry

For informational purposes only, you may visit https://turno.com/airbnb-noise-monitor/ for more details. Please note that the City of Kemah does not endorse or recommend any specific product or service.