Pearland, TX Short-Term Rentals: Permit Requirements (2026)

All short-term rental properties (STR) located within the city limits of Pearland are required to obtain a permit prior to advertising or renting the property. The City of Pearland assesses and collects a 7% Hotel Occupancy Tax on all STR bookings. What is a Short-Term Rental (STR)? A Short-Term Rental is a residential dwelling unit or a bedroom within a residential dwelling unit that is rented out for compensation for less than thirty (30) consecutive days. A permit must be obtained by the property owner for all short-term rental properties in the City. Hotel Occupancy Taxes are required to be paid on a quarterly basis. Short-term rental properties are allowed in Non-Residential and select Mixed-Use Zoning Districts within the City. Why is a permit needed to operate a Short-Term Rental Property in the City of Pearland? On February 9, 2026, Pearland City Council adopted Unified Development Code (UDC) amendments through Ordinance No. UDC 2000T-41 to regulate the zoning requirements for Short Term Rentals, which became effective upon approval. The Land Use Matrix has been updated to reflect this adoption. The requirements of the UDC are in addition to those requirements found in Ordinance 1611 Adopted by City Council on April 11, 2022, amending Chapter 20 of the Code of Ordinances. This ordinance established specific requirements and regulations for the operation of STRs within the corporate limits of the City. The ordinance became effective July 1, 2022. How to obtain a Short-Term Rental permit? To apply for an STR permit, apply through Cityworks. An application fee ($75 non-refundable) is required with a short-term rental permit.