South Padre Island City Ordinances for Short-Term Rental Guests

We’re so glad you chose South Padre Island for your stay. To help keep the island safe, peaceful, and beautiful for everyone, the City of South Padre Island has established a few essential regulations for short-term rental guests. The information below provides a straightforward guide to these regulations, allowing you to enjoy your stay with confidence.

Ordinance No. 25-04

Under this ordinance, the City of South Padre Island requires all rental hosts to provide this information to their guests. As part of this requirement, we have provided you with this summary and additional resources. You are responsible for knowing and following the City of South Padre Island’s ordinances during your stay.

Review the full text at:

https://library.municode.com/tx/south_padre_island/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=1359569

Noise Ordinance

The city’s noise ordinance prohibits any sound or vibration that unreasonably disturbs others, regardless of the time of day. This includes loud music, shouting, singing, whistling, honking, engine and muffler noise, as well as any sound or vibration that is excessive in volume, intensity, or duration. If the sound or vibration can be heard or felt from neighboring properties or the street, it may be considered a violation. Guests should be especially mindful during the evening and early morning hours.

Noise violations may result in a warning, citation, or fines, in addition to other measures the city may implement. If violations continue, they may also affect your ability to remain in the property. You can read the full text of the city’s noise ordinance here:

https://library.municode.com/tx/south_padre_island/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=1187314

Parking Regulations

All vehicles must follow city parking laws. Parking is not allowed in areas that create a hazard or obstruct access, including sidewalks, crosswalks, alleys, fire lanes, bike lanes, and unpaved areas. Vehicles must not block driveways, fire hydrants, intersections, or traffic flow. Vehicles may not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or 30 feet of a traffic signal, stop sign, or intersection with Gulf or Padre Boulevards.

Please park only in designated areas and observe any posted signs. Violations may result in tickets or towing. To review the city’s parking regulations in detail, visit:

https://library.municode.com/tx/south_padre_island/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH18TR_ARTIINGE_S18-19PAEN

Littering and Property Cleanliness

To preserve the beauty of South Padre Island, guests are required to properly dispose of their trash and refrain from leaving litter anywhere on or around the property. Please secure your trash in closed bins and follow the local collection schedule. Guests are not permitted to discard items in public areas, including the beach, sidewalks, parks, or streets. Additionally, glass containers are not allowed on beaches. Excessive trash or debris inside or outside the unit may be considered a violation of the city code.

More information about cleanliness and waste disposal regulations is available here:

https://library.municode.com/tx/south_padre_island/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH9GE_ARTIINGE_S9-2NU

Miscellaneous

Short-term rentals may not be used for commercial activity, parties, or large gatherings that could disrupt the neighborhood.

Enforcement and Penalties

The City of South Padre Island may issue citations for any violation of the regulations outlined above. Fines may be issued up to $500 per offense per day. For more serious violations involving fire safety, public health, sanitation, or zoning, fines may be as high as $2,000 per day. 

Thank you!

We kindly request that you treat this home, the neighborhood, and the island with respect and care. Your cooperation helps ensure that South Padre remains a welcoming destination for everyone. Thank you for being a respectful guest.