Permit Requirements: Fulshear vs Sugar Land

The City of Fulshear has not adopted a dedicated short-term rental (STR) registration, licensing, or permit ordinance in its Code of Ordinances (available through Municode at library.municode.com/tx/fulshear). No city-level Airbnb or vacation-rental permit is currently required to operate an STR within Fulshear's corporate limits. Operators are still subject to Texas Tax Code Chapter 156 (state Hotel Occupancy Tax, 6% on stays under 30 days) and to the Fort Bend County hotel occupancy tax adopted under Tax Code Chapter 352 (effective October 1, 2024, with full enforcement of bookings beginning May 1, 2025). General Fulshear ordinances - zoning, nuisance, noise, parking, occupancy and building/fire codes - continue to apply to STR properties even though no STR-specific permit exists. HOA covenants in master-planned communities such as Cross Creek Ranch, Fulshear Run, Cross Creek West, and Tamarron frequently restrict or prohibit short-term rentals independently of city law.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are effectively prohibited in most of Sugar Land. STRs are not permitted as a matter of right in any residential district. Only R-2, R-3, and R-4 zoning districts may allow STRs with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) approved by City Council. Operating without a CUP is subject to fines up to $2,000 per day.