Bexar County, TX Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Occupancy limits for short-term rentals in Bexar County follow city rules rather than county rules. The City of San Antonio STR ordinance in Chapter 15 of the Code of Ordinances caps guest occupancy at 2 adults per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, with an absolute maximum of 12 guests regardless of bedroom count. Children under 12 do not count toward the cap. Operators must post the maximum occupancy inside the unit and on the listing. Exceeding the cap triggers fines of 500 dollars per violation plus possible permit revocation. San Antonio also distinguishes Type 1 STRs (owner-occupied, unlimited permit availability) from Type 2 STRs (non-owner-occupied, capped at 12.5 percent of any block face in residential zones). In unincorporated Bexar County no occupancy ordinance applies, but practical limits come from on-site septic system capacity regulated by TCEQ and Bexar County Environmental Services under 30 TAC Chapter 285, well water availability, and deed restrictions that frequently limit overnight occupants to 2 per bedroom. Building codes impose egress and fire exit requirements that indirectly cap capacity. Insurance policies often limit covered occupancy to the same 2-per-bedroom-plus-2 formula.