Occupancy Limits: Houston vs Pasadena
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Houston, TX and Pasadena, TX?
Houston and Pasadena have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Houston | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinance | Houston Code Ch. 28, Art. XXIII (adopted April 2025) | - |
| 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 | - |
| 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.
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.
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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