Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Bodega Bay, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Bodega Bay, CA, but with restrictions. Vacation rentals are permitted but subject to caps and exclusion zones in specific neighborhoods. Requirements include compliance with zoning (Transient Vacation Rental permits), property manager certification, Transient Occupancy Tax registration, and an annual Vacation Rental License; limited exceptions exist for certain Coastal Zone rentals operating prior to October 2023. 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.

Vacation rentals are permitted but subject to caps and exclusion zones in specific neighborhoods. Requirements include compliance with zoning (Transient Vacation Rental permits), property manager certification, Transient Occupancy Tax registration, and an annual Vacation Rental License; limited exceptions exist for certain Coastal Zone rentals operating prior to October 2023.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Bodega Bay. 1) Complete the online Transient Vacation Rental (TVR) zoning permit application via the County portal with required documents (site plan, parking, ownership verification). 2) Obtain a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Number from the Auditor-Controller Treasurer-Tax Collector. 3) Apply for and obtain an annual Vacation Rental License and ensure the owner or operator passes the County certification exam to become a Certified Vacation Rental Property Manager.

1) Complete the online Transient Vacation Rental (TVR) zoning permit application via the County portal with required documents (site plan, parking, ownership verification). 2) Obtain a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Number from the Auditor-Controller Treasurer-Tax Collector. 3) Apply for and obtain an annual Vacation Rental License and ensure the owner or operator passes the County certification exam to become a Certified Vacation Rental Property Manager.

Vrbo is permitted in Bodega Bay, 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 Bodega Bay 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 Bodega Bay. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.