Austin City Code Chapter 25-2 Subchapter E caps STR occupancy at six unrelated adults or 10 total including related persons, whichever is lower, with no more than two adults per bedroom plus two. Outdoor occupancy after 10:00 PM is limited to six persons.
Austin's STR occupancy framework imposes two simultaneous caps: (1) maximum adult occupancy based on bedrooms (2 per bedroom + 2), and (2) a hard ceiling of 6 unrelated adults or 10 total persons including minors and related adults. A 3-bedroom STR thus maxes at 8 persons (6 adults cap if all unrelated). Outdoor gatherings after 10:00 PM are limited to six persons to protect neighboring peace, preventing late-night patio parties. The operator is legally responsible for enforcing caps and must document occupancy in the license record. Code Department can inspect during events and issue citations under Chapter 25-2; Class C misdemeanor fines reach $2,000 for habitability and occupancy violations. Posted signage inside the unit must state the max occupancy and quiet hours. Exceeding caps during SXSW, ACL, and F1 weekend is a common enforcement target. Daytime events are allowed up to the general occupancy limit but amplified outdoor sound remains banned.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Austin code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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