Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Aptos, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Aptos, CA, but with restrictions. Rentals are restricted to residential zones and prohibited in ADUs or income-restricted units. Occupancy is limited to two people per legal bedroom plus two additional guests (excluding children under eight), and specific on-site parking minimums apply based on bedroom count. Geographic caps and block limits are enforced in designated areas including the Seacliff/Aptos Special Desiganted Area (SALSDA). A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Rentals are restricted to residential zones and prohibited in ADUs or income-restricted units. Occupancy is limited to two people per legal bedroom plus two additional guests (excluding children under eight), and specific on-site parking minimums apply based on bedroom count. Geographic caps and block limits are enforced in designated areas including the Seacliff/Aptos Special Desiganted Area (SALSDA).

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Aptos. 1) Submit a completed application to the Planning Department with floor/plot plans, a rental agreement, and proof of transient occupancy tax registration. 2) Provide proof of neighbor notification (mailing to all properties within 300 feet). 3) Obtain administrative approval (Level IV) for units with 3 or fewer bedrooms, or attend a public hearing (Level V) for 4+ bedrooms. Permits must be renewed every five years.

1) Submit a completed application to the Planning Department with floor/plot plans, a rental agreement, and proof of transient occupancy tax registration. 2) Provide proof of neighbor notification (mailing to all properties within 300 feet). 3) Obtain administrative approval (Level IV) for units with 3 or fewer bedrooms, or attend a public hearing (Level V) for 4+ bedrooms. Permits must be renewed every five years.

Vrbo is permitted in Aptos, CA under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Aptos are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Aptos. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.