Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Gualala, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Gualala, CA, but with restrictions. Vacation Home Rentals are defined as single-family dwellings let as an entire unit to transient guests. In the Coastal Zone (including Gualala), conversion to an STR is allowed only with a Coastal Development Permit and must meet allowable density and visitor accommodation provisions under the Gualala Town Plan. 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 Home Rentals are defined as single-family dwellings let as an entire unit to transient guests. In the Coastal Zone (including Gualala), conversion to an STR is allowed only with a Coastal Development Permit and must meet allowable density and visitor accommodation provisions under the Gualala Town Plan.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Gualala. 1) Verify the parcel's Coastal Zone status and Gualala district via County maps or by contacting Planning & Building Services. 2) Submit an application for a Coastal Development Permit and necessary building approvals digitally through the County’s eTRAKiT portal. 3) Coordinate with the 'Planner of the Day' for application review and final approval.

1) Verify the parcel's Coastal Zone status and Gualala district via County maps or by contacting Planning & Building Services. 2) Submit an application for a Coastal Development Permit and necessary building approvals digitally through the County’s eTRAKiT portal. 3) Coordinate with the 'Planner of the Day' for application review and final approval.

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