Fulshear could have nearly 4,000 apartment units within its borders as the second-fastest growing city in the United States grapples with resident opposition to multifamily development.

Since 2020, nine apartment complexes have opened in Fulshear, two more are under construction and one is in plan review, according to city data cited by Community Impact. Those 12 projects account for 3,591 units already open or underway, with another 348 under review. That would bring the city's total to 3,939 units.

City Manager Zach Goodlander said all in-city apartments so far originated from old development agreements. The city does not have zoning authority in its extraterritorial jurisdiction.

The apartment growth has drawn organized opposition. At a Jan. 9 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on the proposed Waters PUD, roughly 70 residents packed the room. Speakers opposed the rezone, citing traffic, overcrowded schools, high density and a preference for commercial development instead. Harry Folloder, president of the Fulbrook Community Association, spoke against the proposal.

The commission postponed its decision to give the city time to renegotiate PUD conditions.

When the Waters PUD returned June 5, residents from Fulbrook and other neighborhoods again spoke against the multifamily component. Commission member Endresen recommended cutting the maximum building height from four stories to three. Member Dowdall argued the PUD gives the city more control over development.

The vote was unanimous.

The commission approved the recommendation 6-0, with member Baron absent, attaching conditions that included the three-story height limit and an expiration date for inactivity on the property.

Director of Economic Development Annel Guadalupe said resident concerns about apartments are common in fast-growing communities. She said the growth has been driven by schools, master-planned neighborhoods and regional employment.

"While apartments do add residents, they represent one piece of a much larger growth story that continues to be driven primarily by single-family residential development," Guadalupe said.

Fulshear's population stood at about 17,000 in 2020. It has grown to nearly 65,000, a rate of more than 276%, according to U.S. Census Bureau data reported by the Houston Chronicle. The city has ranked as the second-fastest growing in the country for three consecutive years.

Mayor Don McCoy, in a May 14 interview with the Houston Chronicle, said the city is "not focusing on growing bigger, we're just growing smarter and more responsibly."

The Waters PUD now goes to Fulshear City Council for a final vote. The council's decision had not been posted in public records as of Sept. 9. Fulshear City Council agendas are posted on the city's website.