Occupancy Limits: San Antonio vs Universal City
How do occupancy limits rules compare between San Antonio, TX and Universal City, TX?
Universal City has fewer restrictions than San Antonio.
San Antonio, TX
Bexar County
San Antonio's STR ordinance (UDC § 35-374.01, updated by Ordinance 2024-06-13-0433) requires STR permit applications to specify maximum guest capacity, with sleeping areas and emergency evacuation routes detailed in submitted plans. The permit specifies the allowed number of guests based on habitable space, fire egress, and parking availability.
View full San Antonio rules →Universal City, TX
Bexar County
STR occupancy in Universal City is typically tied to bedroom count and building code, commonly around 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional occupants.
View full Universal City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Antonio | Universal City |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | UDC § 35-374.01; Ordinance 2024-06-13-0433 | - |
| Capacity Basis | Based on habitable space, egress, and parking | - |
| Plan Required | Floor plan showing sleeping areas and max guests | - |
| Fire Safety | Evacuation routes and extinguisher locations required | - |
| ADU Rule | Owner must reside on-site if ADU is used as STR | - |
| Typical Formula | - | 2 per bedroom + 2 additional |
| Basis | - | Bedrooms, square footage, egress |
| Events | - | Often capped below sleeping occupancy |
| City Contact | - | (210) 658-5365 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Antonio FAQ
How is STR occupancy determined in San Antonio?
The permit application requires a detailed floor plan showing sleeping areas, emergency evacuation routes, fire extinguisher locations, and designated parking. The maximum guest capacity is set based on these factors and specified on the permit.
Can I rent out my ADU as a short-term rental?
Only if you reside on the property (either in the main house or the ADU). If the owner does not live on-site, the property must be zoned to allow more than one dwelling unit, per the 2024 STR ordinance update.
Universal City FAQ
Do children count toward occupancy?
Many STR ordinances exclude children under a specified age from overnight occupancy counts; verify the exact local rule.
Can I host a wedding at my STR?
Large events are typically capped well below sleeping occupancy or prohibited entirely at residential STRs.
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