Occupancy Limits: Bellaire vs Houston
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Bellaire, TX and Houston, TX?
Houston has fewer restrictions than Bellaire.
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 →Houston, TX
Harris County
Houston's 2025 STR ordinance (Chapter 28, Art. XXIII) regulates short-term rentals citywide. The ordinance defines STRs as dwellings rented for less than 30 consecutive days and requires a certificate of registration. Specific occupancy caps are tied to the property's capacity as determined during registration.
View full Houston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellaire | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinance | No. 25-108 (adopted 11/17/2025) | Houston Code Ch. 28, Art. XXIII (adopted April 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 | - |
| Registration Fee | - | $275 + $33.10 admin fee, renewed annually |
| Events | - | Special events at STRs prohibited |
| Enforcement Start | - | January 1, 2026 |
| Penalty | - | $100-$500/day for unregistered operation |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Houston FAQ
Does Houston have a maximum occupancy for short-term rentals?
The ordinance does not set a specific guest count but requires compliance with building code occupancy limits. STRs may not host special events or be used as event venues.
When did Houston start regulating short-term rentals?
Houston City Council approved the STR ordinance in April 2025, with enforcement beginning January 1, 2026. Registration opened October 1, 2025.
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