Occupancy Limits: Baytown vs Bellaire
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Baytown, TX and Bellaire, TX?
Baytown has fewer restrictions than Bellaire.
Baytown, TX
Harris County
Baytown does not impose a dedicated short-term rental occupancy cap. STR guests are governed by general Property Maintenance Code overcrowding rules and the Unified Land Development Code dwelling-unit definition rather than an STR-specific per-bedroom formula.
View full Baytown rules →Bellaire, TX
Harris County
Under Ordinance 25-108 (adopted Nov. 17, 2025), Bellaire short-term rentals are prohibited in all residential districts and allowed only in mixed-use districts by permit. STR occupancy is capped at 2 adults per bedroom plus 2 additional adults, never exceeding 12 persons.
View full Bellaire rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Baytown | Bellaire |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated STR Cap | None | - |
| Applies | IPMC overcrowding rules | - |
| ULDC Use | Single-household dwelling unit | - |
| HOA/Deed | Private enforcement | - |
| State Layer | Tex. LGC Ch. 250 | - |
| Contact | Development Services 281-420-6500 | - |
| Ordinance | - | No. 25-108 (adopted 11/17/2025) |
| Residential STR | - | Prohibited |
| Where Allowed | - | Mixed-use districts (permit) |
| Occupancy Cap | - | 2 adults/bedroom + 2; max 12 |
| Parking | - | Driveway + garage capacity |
| Inspection | - | Annual fire marshal review |
| Compliance Deadline | - | March 17, 2026 |
| Fines | - | $500 to $2,000 per day |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Baytown FAQ
Does Baytown limit how many guests can stay in an Airbnb?
Not through a dedicated STR formula. Occupancy is governed by the International Property Maintenance Code's minimum-area-per-occupant rules adopted in Chapter 18 of the City Code.
Can the city shut down a high-occupancy short-term rental?
Code enforcement may act if IPMC overcrowding standards are exceeded or if the use violates the ULDC's single-household dwelling-unit definition.
Do HOA rules matter?
Yes. HOA covenants and deed restrictions may set stricter occupancy limits than the City Code and are enforced privately by the association.
Bellaire FAQ
How many guests can stay at a Bellaire short-term rental?
Two adults per bedroom plus two additional adults, with a hard maximum of 12 persons under Ordinance 25-108.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Bellaire neighborhoods?
No. STRs are prohibited in all residential districts. They are allowed only in mixed-use districts under a permit issued by the City.
When did the new rules take effect?
Ordinance 25-108 was adopted November 17, 2025. Existing residential STRs were given 120 days to cease, with the compliance deadline around March 17, 2026.
What are the penalties for violating the STR ordinance?
Violations are punishable by the maximum fine allowed by Texas state law, generally $500 to $2,000 per day, and repeated violations can lead to permit revocation.
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