Rowlett caps STR occupancy by a formula: two persons per bedroom plus two more, but never more than 12 persons total including children, regardless of bedroom count. The cap is defined as the 'maximum occupancy rate' in Sec. 10-401 and enforced under Sec. 10-427.
Rowlett sets a firm ceiling on how many people may occupy a short-term rental. The Code of Ordinances (Ord. No. 007-23) defines 'maximum occupancy rate' in Sec. 10-401 as no more than two persons per bedroom, plus two additional persons, but in no event exceeding 12 persons total, including children, regardless of the number of bedrooms (multi-family buildings and hotels/motels are excepted). Sec. 10-427(f)(3) makes it a standard that no person operating or occupying a short-term rental shall exceed the maximum occupancy rate. The STR permit application reinforces this, stating on its face that 'Maximum occupancy is limited to 12 persons, including children,' and asks the applicant to list the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. The guest safety sheet posted inside the unit (Sec. 10-428) must include the maximum occupancy so guests are informed. Because the formula is two-per-bedroom plus two, smaller homes are effectively capped below 12: a two-bedroom STR would be limited to six occupants, a three-bedroom to eight, and so on, while larger homes hit the absolute 12-person ceiling. Note that Texas considered legislation in 2025 affecting local occupancy-limit authority, so owners should confirm the current rule with the city before relying on it for large gatherings.
Exceeding the maximum occupancy rate violates Sec. 10-427(f)(3). Violations of Article XI are strict-liability offenses (Sec. 10-434.6) and can draw fines; the local point of contact must respond to complaints within 30 minutes, and a third repeat violation within 12 months results in permit revocation. Overcrowding complaints can be reported to the 24-hour STR hotline (800-808-3126).
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