Montgomery County limits STR occupancy to a maximum number of guests based on the licensed sleeping areas. The STR license application requires disclosure of bedrooms and sleeping capacity. Events and parties that exceed listed occupancy are prohibited under the license conditions.
Montgomery County STR licensing under Chapter 54 requires hosts to specify the number of bedrooms and maximum sleeping capacity on the license application. Occupancy limits are based on the number of bedrooms listed and the property building and fire code capacity. Generally, occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom plus additional occupants in common sleeping areas as approved on the license. The county prohibits using the STR for events, parties, or gatherings that exceed the listed occupancy. Hosts must clearly communicate occupancy limits to guests in house rules. Exceeding occupancy creates fire safety, sanitation, and noise concerns that may trigger enforcement. Properties in condominiums and townhouse communities may face additional occupancy restrictions from HOA rules. The county may conduct inspections to verify that the advertised capacity matches the licensed capacity. Advertising an STR for more guests than the licensed occupancy is a violation.
Exceeding licensed occupancy may result in fines and license suspension. Hosting events beyond occupancy limits is a separate violation. Advertising capacity above licensed limits is also subject to enforcement.
Gaithersburg, MD
Montgomery County Bill 35-20 bans gas-powered leaf blowers countywide effective January 1, 2025, which applies within Gaithersburg. Only battery-electric and...
Gaithersburg, MD
Gaithersburg enforces noise regulations under City Code Chapter 15 and Montgomery County Code Chapter 31B. Noise that is plainly audible beyond property boun...
Gaithersburg, MD
Gaithersburg addresses barking dog complaints through City Code Chapter 15 noise provisions and Montgomery County animal control regulations. Dogs that bark ...
Gaithersburg, MD
Montgomery County Code Chapter 31B sets specific decibel limits for Gaithersburg based on zoning and time of day. Residential zones are limited to 65 dBA day...
Gaithersburg, MD
Gaithersburg requires EV charging pre-wiring in new residential construction. Maryland law effective October 2022 prohibits non-EVs from parking in designate...
Gaithersburg, MD
Gaithersburg regulates street parking through Chapter 14 of the city code and a Residential Permit Parking program updated in 2025. Parking restrictions vary...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Montgomery County.
See how other cities in Montgomery County handle occupancy limits.
See how Gaithersburg's occupancy limits rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.