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

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

STR-Specific Cap
None adopted by Odessa
Permit Listed
No STR permit on city Permits page
State Preemption
TX HB 2127 limits local STR rules
Underlying Standards
IBC occupant load and zoning use

Summary

Odessa has not adopted a short-term rental ordinance with specific guest occupancy caps. The city's published Permits/Licenses page does not list a short-term rental permit, and the Code of Ordinances contains no STR-specific occupancy formula. General building code occupant load standards and zoning use rules apply.

Sec. 92.010. OCCUPANCY LIMITSGoReset Texas Constitution and Statutes chevron_right Texas Constitution chevron_right Agriculture Code chevron_right Alcoholic Beverage Code chevron_right Auxiliary Water Laws chevron_right Business & Commerce Code chevron_right Business Organizations Code chevron_right Civil Practice and Remedies Code chevron_right Code of Criminal Procedure chevron_right Education Code chevron_right Election Code chevron_right Estates Code chevron_right Family Code chevron_right Finance Code chevron_right Government Code chevron_right Health and Safety Code chevron_right Human Resources Code chevron_right Insurance Code chevron_right Insurance Code - Not Codified chevron_right Labor Code chevron_right Local Government Code c

Source: City of Odessa Permits/LicensesView official code

Full Breakdown

No standalone STR occupancy cap (such as 2 guests per bedroom plus 2) is published in Odessa's adopted ordinances. STR operators must comply with the underlying zoning district's permitted uses and the International Building Code occupant load standards adopted via the Odessa Building Inspection Department. Texas HB 2127 (2023) and prior court rulings have constrained Texas cities' ability to impose blanket STR occupancy caps. Operators are still subject to nuisance, noise, and parking ordinances that effectively limit gathering size.

Violations & Fines

Because no STR-specific occupancy cap exists, enforcement typically occurs through the noise ordinance (Class C misdemeanor), nuisance abatement, and building code occupant load violations cited by the Fire Marshal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Odessa cap how many guests can stay in a short-term rental?
Odessa has not adopted a specific STR occupancy formula. Operators must comply with building code occupant load and the noise and nuisance ordinances that apply citywide.
Where can I confirm STR rules with the city?
Contact the Odessa Building Inspection Department and Community Development. The city's Permits/Licenses page does not list a short-term rental permit category.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Odessa

All Odessa rules

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