TranslateVacation Rentals & Hosted Rentals
Proposed Coastal Zone Update
The Board of Supervisors will hear a proposed amendment to Chapter 26C of the Sonoma County Municipal Code to align vacation rental regulations in the Coastal Zone with inland regulations tentatively scheduled for September 26, 2023.
If passed, any vacation rental in the Coastal Zone that has been legally operating prior to the effective date of the Ordinance would have one year to comply with the new regulations.
For more information, see the Vacation Rental Update or Board of Supervisors calendar pages.
Vacation Rentals
Vacation rentals are the rental of a detached single family dwelling for periods of 30 days or less. Vacation Rentals do not include Bed and Breakfast Inns or hosted rentals permitted in accordance with the Sonoma County Code for B&Bs and hosted rentals or occasional home exchanges that are not otherwise subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). Vacation rentals must have a Certified Vacation Property Manager and meet Performance Standards to ensure compatibility with surrounding residential uses. Learn more on our Vacation Rental Permit page.
Coastal Zone: The owners of Coastal Zone vacation rentals must register to pay Transient Occupancy Tax.
Vacation Rental Ordinances
Review the current and previous Vacation Rental ordinances on the Vacation Rental Ordinances page.
Vacation Rental Permit Application and Process
Learn about the current restrictions on new vacation rental permit applications, the process for getting a Vacation Rental Permit, and how to apply on the Vacation Rental Permit Application page.
Vacation Rental Permit holders pay submittal, annual monitoring, and other fees. Learn about what fees are required for Vacation Rental Permits and how to pay them on the Vacation Rental Permit page.
Hosted Rentals and B & Bs
Hosted rentals are the rental of a single room or sleeping area within a single-family dwelling, where the property owner remains in residence (Bed & Breakfasts). Learn more about Hosted Rental regulations and apply for a Hosted Rental Permit at the Hosted Rental and B & Bs page.
Vacation Rentals vs. Hosted Rentals
Below are key characteristics/differences between vaction rentals and hosted rentals.
| Vacation | Hosted |
|---|---|
|
Vacation rentals are the rental of a private residence for periods of 30 days or less. |
Hosted rentals are the rental of a single room or sleeping area within a single-family dwelling, where the property owner remains in residence. |
|
Vacation rentals do not include Bed and Breakfast Inns or hosted rentals permitted in accordance with the Sonoma County Code for B&Bs and hosted rentals, or occasional home exchanges that are not otherwise subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). |
Hosted rentals do not include vacation rentals permitted in accordance with the Sonoma County Code for vacation rentals, or occasional home exchanges that are not otherwise subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). |
|
Vacation rentals must have a Certified Vacation Property Manager and meet Performance Standards to ensure compatibility with surrounding residential uses. |
Hosted rentals must meet Performance Standards to ensure compatibility with surrounding residential uses. |
Complaints
If you experience problems with a nearby vacation rental property in unincorporated Sonoma County, there is a process for submitting a complaint about that vacation rental property.
Violations
Information is for property owners who have received a violation notice for Operating a Vacation Rental without the required zoning permit or Operating a Hosted Rental without a required zoning permit.
Property Manager Information
A property manager who is certified by Sonoma County is required for all vacation rental properties. Learn more information on the property manager requirement, certification process and materials, updating property manager contact information, and reporting forms.