Occupancy Limits: Katy vs Richmond
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Katy, TX and Richmond, TX?
Katy and Richmond have similar restriction levels.
Katy, TX
Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County imposes no STR-specific occupancy limits in unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack general police power to regulate STRs under Local Gov't Code Ch. 233. Practical limits derive from International Residential Code bedroom/egress rules and on-site septic system capacity (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality OSSF rules in 30 TAC Ch. 285).
View full Katy rules →Richmond, TX
Fort Bend County
Richmond TX has no STR-specific occupancy cap. Guest counts are bounded by International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) habitable-floor-area minimums and IRC/IFC fire-egress rules adopted through the Unified Development Code. STR-length stays (under 30 days) are taxable hotel use under Tex. Tax Code Sec. 156.001; the Fort Bend County HOT inside city limits is 2% (effective Oct. 1, 2024).
View full Richmond rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Katy | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| County STR Ordinance | None | - |
| County Occupancy Cap | Not set | - |
| Authority Limit | Local Gov't Code Ch. 233 | - |
| Septic Sizing | 30 TAC §285.91 (by bedroom) | - |
| City Rules Apply | Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond | - |
| STR-Specific Cap | - | None |
| IPMC Floor-Area Min | - | ~150 sq ft first occupant |
| Sleeping Room Min | - | ~70 sq ft (1 person), +50 sq ft each |
| Egress | - | IRC/IFC emergency escape openings |
| Combined HOT Inside City | - | 8% (6% state + 2% Fort Bend Co.) |
| Rental Registration | - | Required (effective Jan. 1, 2023) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Katy FAQ
Does Fort Bend County set an occupancy limit for Airbnbs?
No. Unincorporated Fort Bend County has no STR ordinance and no county-imposed guest cap. Limits come from IRC bedroom/egress rules, septic system capacity, and any deed restrictions or HOA covenants on your property.
Do I need an STR permit in unincorporated Fort Bend County?
No. The county does not require STR registration or permits. You must register with the Texas Comptroller for the 6% state HOT and remit the Fort Bend County 7% HOT (effective Oct 1, 2024) for stays under 30 days. Cities within the county set their own STR rules.
Richmond FAQ
How many guests can stay at a Richmond TX short-term rental?
Richmond has no STR-specific guest cap. Occupancy is bounded by the International Property Maintenance Code adopted through the Unified Development Code (about 150 sq ft for the first occupant, 100 sq ft per additional, with per-bedroom minimums) and by fire-code egress requirements.
Do I need a city permit to rent my Richmond TX home short-term?
Richmond has not adopted an STR-specific ordinance, but a residential rental registration ordinance effective January 1, 2023 requires owner-occupied rental and multifamily rental properties to register with the Building Department. Operators must also collect and remit the 6% state HOT and the 2% Fort Bend County HOT inside city limits.
Can my Richmond TX HOA cap how many guests can stay?
Yes. Pecan Grove Plantation, Long Meadow Farms, Briarwood Crossing, Walnut Creek, and Veranda deed restrictions commonly impose minimum lease terms and overnight-guest limits enforceable in district court under Tex. Prop. Code Ch. 209, regardless of whether the city imposes an occupancy cap.
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