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🏠 Short-Term Rentals/Occupancy Limits

Occupancy Limits: Missouri City vs Richmond

How do occupancy limits rules compare between Missouri City, TX and Richmond, TX?

Richmond has fewer restrictions than Missouri City.

Missouri City, TX

Fort Bend County

Some Restrictions

Missouri City limits residential occupancy to families plus a small number of unrelated persons, restricting how many guests a short-term rental may host.

View full Missouri City rules β†’

Richmond, TX

Fort Bend County

Few Restrictions

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 β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactMissouri CityRichmond
DefinitionSingle housekeeping unit-
Unrelated capLimited group only-
StandardBedrooms and square footage-
CodeZoning Appendix A-
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.

Missouri City FAQ

How many guests can stay?

The maximum depends on bedrooms and square footage under city housing standards, plus the city's family definition limiting unrelated occupants.

Are children counted in occupancy?

Local property maintenance standards count all occupants, though specific bedroom and square-foot ratios determine the lawful maximum.

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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