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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Big Sur, CA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Commercial vacation rentals are prohibited in the Big Sur Coast Land Use Plan area. Limited vacation rentals and homestays are allowed where applicable but require a Vacation Rental Operation License, Business License, and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate. Rentals are subject to a 4% cap in other coastal areas, though Big Sur specifically maintains a prohibition on the commercial category.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Contact the Permit Center at (831) 755-5025 or HCDVacationRentals@CountyofMonterey.gov with your Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) to verify zoning eligibility. 2. Obtain a Vacation Rental Operation License from Housing & Community Development. 3. Register for a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate and a Business License from the Treasurer-Tax Collector.

Official Resources

Official Big Sur STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Big Sur, CA?
Commercial vacation rentals are prohibited in the Big Sur Coast Land Use Plan area. Limited vacation rentals and homestays are allowed where applicable but require a Vacation Rental Operation License, Business License, and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate. Rentals are subject to a 4% cap in other coastal areas, though Big Sur specifically maintains a prohibition on the commercial category.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Big Sur?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Big Sur. 1. Contact the Permit Center at (831) 755-5025 or HCDVacationRentals@CountyofMonterey.gov with your Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) to verify zoning eligibility. 2. Obtain a Vacation Rental Operation License from Housing & Community Development. 3. Register for a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate and a Business License from the Treasurer-Tax Collector.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Big Sur?
1. Contact the Permit Center at (831) 755-5025 or HCDVacationRentals@CountyofMonterey.gov with your Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) to verify zoning eligibility. 2. Obtain a Vacation Rental Operation License from Housing & Community Development. 3. Register for a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate and a Business License from the Treasurer-Tax Collector.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction