Pendleton, TX

Bell County does NOT regulate fencing for single-family residential pools in unincorporated areas. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233 limits county building authority to commercial, multi-family, and public-accessible structures. The state-level Texas Pool Yard Enclosure Act (Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 757) imposes a 48-inch enclosure rule, but Section 757.002 limits its application to multiunit rental complexes and HOA-owned/maintained pools — not detached single-family homes. Inside Killeen, Belton, Temple, or Harker Heights city limits, that city's adopted IRC pool-barrier rules apply.

Bell County has no county-level short-term rental permit ordinance for unincorporated areas. Texas counties generally lack zoning authority and cannot license residential land-uses outside subdivision and floodplain rules. The City of Belton (county seat) adopted its STR ordinance on March 13, 2023, requiring an annual STR permit. Killeen, Temple, and Harker Heights operate their own city-level STR rules. Texas Tax Code Chapter 156 (state hotel occupancy tax) applies to stays under 30 days regardless of location.

Bell County does not set occupancy limits for short-term rentals in unincorporated areas. Texas counties have no zoning or building-code authority over single-family dwellings (Tex. Loc. Gov. Code Ch. 232). Inside Killeen, Temple, Belton, or other city limits, that city's STR or housing code applies.

Bell County does not regulate STR parking in unincorporated areas. Texas counties cannot impose off-street parking minimums on residential lots (Tex. Loc. Gov. Code Ch. 232). On-street parking on county-maintained roads must not block travel lanes, mailboxes, or driveways. City limits add their own STR parking rules.

Bell County imposes a 2% county Hotel Occupancy Tax on short-term lodging (under 30 days) in unincorporated areas, on top of the 6% state HOT. Rentals inside Killeen, Temple, Belton, or other city limits also pay that city's HOT. Reports due by the 20th of each following month.

Bell County does not regulate fence heights in unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack zoning authority outside ETJ. Subdivision regulations (adopted 2001, updated Dec 2024) cover platting and drainage but not fences. Pool fences must be 4 ft minimum under the county Public Nuisance Abatement Order.

Bell County Commissioners passed an ordinance on Feb 7, 2011 to control stray dogs and cats in unincorporated areas, enforced by the Sheriff's Office Animal Control Section. State law (Health & Safety Code Ch. 822) governs dangerous dogs and dog-at-large near schools.

Bell County has no noise ordinance with set quiet hours in unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack general police power to regulate noise (Local Gov Code Ch. 233). State law (Penal Code §42.01(a)(5)) governs unreasonable noise countywide.

Bell County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and enforces the Bell County Flood Damage Prevention Order, originally adopted by Commissioners Court on July 28, 2008 and effective September 26, 2008. A Floodplain Development Permit is required for any construction, fill, or substantial improvement within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA — FEMA Zone A, AE, AH, AO). Floodway development is prohibited absent a no-rise certification by a Texas-licensed engineer. Permit completion qualifies the structure for NFIP flood insurance.