Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Monterey County, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Monterey County, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are restricted to single-family dwellings in specific zoning districts. Regulations distinguish between Homestays (primary residence, owner present), Limited Vacation Rentals (non-hosted, max 3 times/year), and Commercial Vacation Rentals (unlimited non-hosted). Special conditions apply to the Del Monte Forest area. 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.

Short-term rentals are restricted to single-family dwellings in specific zoning districts. Regulations distinguish between Homestays (primary residence, owner present), Limited Vacation Rentals (non-hosted, max 3 times/year), and Commercial Vacation Rentals (unlimited non-hosted). Special conditions apply to the Del Monte Forest area.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Monterey County. 1. Obtain a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate from the Treasurer-Tax Collector. 2. Apply for a Vacation Rental Operation License via the County's online permit portal. 3. For Commercial Vacation Rentals, obtain a Use Permit or Coastal Development Permit and a County Business License.

1. Obtain a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate from the Treasurer-Tax Collector. 2. Apply for a Vacation Rental Operation License via the County's online permit portal. 3. For Commercial Vacation Rentals, obtain a Use Permit or Coastal Development Permit and a County Business License.

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