Occupancy Limits: Katy vs Sugar Land
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Katy, TX and Sugar Land, TX?
Katy has fewer restrictions than Sugar Land.
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 →Sugar Land, TX
Fort Bend County
Sugar Land restricts short-term rentals to specific zoning districts (R-1Z, R-3, R-4) and requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). The CUP approval may include specific occupancy limits, parking requirements (2 spaces per dwelling unit), and noise restrictions that must be strictly followed.
View full Sugar Land rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Katy | Sugar Land |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| CUP Required | - | Yes |
| Allowed Zones | - | R-1Z, R-3, R-4 |
| Parking | - | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Penalty | - | Up to $2,000/day for violations |
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.
Sugar Land FAQ
Are there occupancy limits for short-term rentals in Sugar Land?
Occupancy limits are set as conditions of the Conditional Use Permit. Operating without a CUP or exceeding conditions carries fines up to $2,000 per day.
Can I rent my whole house as a short-term rental in Sugar Land?
Only in R-1Z, R-3, or R-4 zoning districts with CUP approval. Most single-family residential areas do not qualify for STR use.
Compare other topics
See how Katy and Sugar Land compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool