Occupancy Limits: Bellaire vs La Porte
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Bellaire, TX and La Porte, TX?
La Porte 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 →La Porte, TX
Harris County
La Porte does not impose a dedicated short-term rental occupancy cap. The City confirms it does not currently regulate short-term rentals, so guest counts fall under general property maintenance overcrowding rules and the Chapter 106 zoning definition of a dwelling unit rather than an STR-specific per-bedroom formula.
View full La Porte rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellaire | La Porte |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Dedicated STR Cap | - | None |
| City Position | - | Not currently regulated |
| Applies | - | IPMC overcrowding rules |
| Zoning Chapter | - | Ch. 106 dwelling-unit definition |
| HOA/Deed | - | Private enforcement |
| State Layer | - | Tex. LGC Ch. 250 |
| Contact | - | Planning planning@laportetx.gov |
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.
La Porte FAQ
Does La Porte cap how many guests can stay in a short-term rental?
No. The City does not currently regulate short-term rentals. Occupancy is governed indirectly by the International Property Maintenance Code's minimum-area-per-occupant rules.
Can the City act against a high-occupancy STR?
Yes, indirectly. Code Enforcement may cite IPMC overcrowding or a Chapter 106 zoning violation if the use exceeds a single-family dwelling unit.
Do HOA rules matter?
Yes. Many La Porte subdivisions have deed restrictions or HOA covenants that cap occupancy or prohibit short-term rentals altogether, enforced privately.
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