News & Info
About the Waco City Plan
The City Plan, Waco
Comprehensive Plan 2040 was adopted by Waco City
Council on September 6, 2016. This document is the
fifth comprehensive plan prepared by the City of
Waco and guides the future development of our city
for the next 25 years. The City Plan describes
our current issues, goals, objectives, and makes
policy and action recommendations to progress toward
achieving those goals.
The City Plan, Waco Comprehensive Plan 2040 covers all aspects of the city such as land use regulations, transportation, utilities, parks, and neighborhoods. The final document may be viewed by clicking the links for Part A and Part B or you may visit our Waco City Plan page for more information.
The City Plan - Comprehensive Plan Part A
The City Plan - Comprehensive Plan Part B
Short-Term Rentals in Waco
A short term rental (STR) is the rental of a residential property (consisting of one or more dwelling units), that is rented out for compensation on a temporary basis for a period of less than 30 consecutive days. In order to operate an STR in Waco, a license must be obtained from the Planning Services department.
In some cases, a special permit is also required prior to issuance of a license. The purpose of the regulations set forth in the Waco ordinance is to provide a procedure to allow the rental of private residences to visitors on a short term basis, while ensuring that such rental use does not create adverse impacts to residential neighborhoods due to excessive traffic, noise and density.
For more information please click on the following links:
- Application for Bed & Breakfast Facility or Short Term Rental Facility License
- STR Ordinance and License Requirements – FAQ Sheet
- Schedule of STR uses by zoning district
- Ordinance Regulations for Bed & Breakfast Facilities & STR Facilities
You may also contact the Planning Services Department by calling (254) 750-5650 or email at planning@wacotx.gov
Hotel Occupancy Tax
For information pertaining to Hotel Occupancy Tax please click here.
About Us
Planning
Planning Services works with the City Council, Plan Commission, and Board Of Adjustment to ensure the orderly, safe, and responsible development of Waco. We are here to assist you with issues involving zoning, subdivision, annexations, and demographics. Please let us know what we can do for you.
Upjohn Institute Study-City of Waco Employment Challenges & Opportunities
Zoning
The City of Waco has adopted a Comprehensive Plan to guide development of all property within the city. This plan includes a Land Use Plan which takes into account existing land use, development trends, and policies, which guide zoning decisions in the form of a map of proposed land use patterns. Each lot is assigned a specific zoning classification to further regulate development.
Read more about zoning definitions in our Codes and Ordinances.
The Need for Zoning
Zoning requirements are enacted to promote the public health, safety and general welfare within a community. By regulating the way property is developed, cities protect these interests while providing citizens with a guide to the future uses for property within the city.
Approved Downtown Master Plan (Imagine Waco: A Plan for Greater Downtown)