Occupancy Limits: Cedar Hill vs Dallas
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Cedar Hill, TX and Dallas, TX?
Cedar Hill has fewer restrictions than Dallas.
Cedar Hill, TX
Dallas County
Cedar Hill caps short-term rental occupancy at two adults per bedroom plus two additional guests, not to exceed the building code maximum. Events, weddings, and large parties at STRs are prohibited without a separate special event permit.
View full Cedar Hill rules →Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas City Code Chapter 42B, Sec. 42B-12 limits short-term rental occupancy to a maximum of three persons per bedroom with a total cap of 12 guests. The STR ordinance was adopted in June 2023 but enforcement was blocked by a court injunction in December 2023. The injunction remains in effect as of 2025 while legal challenges proceed through Texas courts.
View full Dallas rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cedar Hill | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Code Section | - | Ch. 42B, Sec. 42B-12 |
| Per Bedroom | - | 3 persons maximum |
| Total Cap | - | 12 guests maximum |
| Legal Status | - | Enforcement enjoined since Dec. 2023 |
| Minimum Stay | - | 2-night minimum |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cedar Hill FAQ
Do children count toward the occupancy cap?
Yes — Cedar Hill's cap counts every overnight guest regardless of age. Verify the exact count rule on your STR registration approval.
Can I host a small daytime birthday party at my STR?
Small family gatherings of a few extra guests are typically fine; weddings, receptions, or parties of 25+ require a special event permit and are usually denied for residential STRs.
What if my listing already advertises 'sleeps 16' but the cap is 12?
Update the listing — the city's posted occupancy controls regardless of what the platform shows, and over-occupancy is one of the most common revocation triggers.
Dallas FAQ
Are Dallas STR occupancy limits currently enforced?
Not at this time. A court injunction issued December 2023 blocks enforcement of Chapter 42B. The City has petitioned the Texas Supreme Court to review the case.
What is the maximum number of guests in a Dallas STR?
Chapter 42B limits occupancy to three persons per bedroom with a maximum of 12 guests total, though enforcement is currently stayed.
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