Occupancy Limits: Bellaire vs Pasadena
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Bellaire, TX and Pasadena, TX?
Pasadena 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 →Pasadena, TX
Harris County
Pasadena does not have specific STR occupancy limits in its code. Occupancy is limited by the International Residential Code's bedroom and egress requirements as adopted in the city's building code. Excessive occupancy creating noise or parking issues may trigger Code Enforcement action.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellaire | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Occupancy Limit | - | No STR-specific limit |
| Building Code | - | IRC bedroom/egress standards |
| Noise Limit | - | 75 dB(A) peak / 5 dB above ambient |
| Enforcement | - | Code Enforcement for complaints |
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.
Pasadena FAQ
Is there a guest limit for Airbnb in Pasadena TX?
No specific STR occupancy limit exists. Practical limits come from building code bedroom and egress requirements. Excessive noise or parking from guests may result in Code Enforcement action.
What noise rules apply to STR guests?
Pasadena's noise ordinance applies: 75 dB(A) peak at any property boundary, and no more than 5 dB above ambient at residential property between 10 PM and 7 AM.
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