Hochatown's STR Licensing and Tax System Is Changing
If you own a short-term rental in the Hochatown or Broken Bow area, you have likely heard that the local government is transitioning its STR tax collection and licensing platform from Avenu to Granicus. This is a significant administrative change that affects every cabin owner in the area, and understanding it early is key to staying compliant and avoiding penalties.
What Is Granicus?
Granicus is a government technology company that provides short-term rental compliance solutions to municipalities across the country. Their platform handles STR registration, permit issuance, tax collection, and compliance monitoring. Many popular vacation rental markets — from Gatlinburg to Sedona — already use Granicus for STR oversight.
Why the Switch?
McCurtain County and the surrounding jurisdictions have seen explosive growth in short-term rental inventory over the past several years. The previous system (Avenu) struggled to keep pace with the volume of registrations, tax filings, and compliance enforcement needed for a market of this size. Granicus offers a more robust, scalable platform with better reporting tools for both the county and property owners.
What Owners Need to Do
- Re-register your property. Even if you had a valid STR permit under Avenu, you will need to complete a new registration through the Granicus portal. This includes providing updated ownership information, property details, and proof of insurance.
- Update your tax remittance process. Occupancy tax payments will now be submitted through the Granicus platform. Make sure your calendar and bookkeeping systems are updated to reflect the new filing process and deadlines.
- Monitor for new requirements. The transition may come with updated regulations, such as new safety inspection requirements, maximum occupancy rules, or advertising restrictions. Stay plugged in to county communications.
How Frontier Handles This for Owners
If your cabin is managed by Frontier Property Management, you do not need to worry about any of this. We handle all STR licensing, permit renewals, tax filings, and compliance requirements on your behalf. We have already been in contact with McCurtain County officials about the Granicus transition and are ensuring all of our managed properties are registered and compliant well ahead of any deadlines.
The Bigger Picture
The shift to Granicus is part of a broader trend toward professionalization and regulation in the short-term rental industry. For responsible owners and management companies, this is actually a good thing — it levels the playing field, cracks down on non-compliant operators, and ensures that the tax revenue from tourism is properly collected and reinvested in the community. Broken Bow and Hochatown are growing, and smart regulation helps protect the market for everyone.
Have questions about the Granicus transition or your STR compliance status? Contact us — we are happy to help.
