Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Napa, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Napa, CA, but with restrictions. Napa distinguishes between hosted (owner resides/sleeps on-site; max 2 bedrooms rented) and non-hosted (whole-house) rentals, with caps of 60 and 41 permits respectively. Owners or agents must be available 24/7 and able to be on-site within one hour; accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are prohibited for transient use. Annual neighborhood notification to all owners within 500 feet is required, and occupancy/parking limits are strictly enforced per the individual permit. 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.

Napa distinguishes between hosted (owner resides/sleeps on-site; max 2 bedrooms rented) and non-hosted (whole-house) rentals, with caps of 60 and 41 permits respectively. Owners or agents must be available 24/7 and able to be on-site within one hour; accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are prohibited for transient use. Annual neighborhood notification to all owners within 500 feet is required, and occupancy/parking limits are strictly enforced per the individual permit.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Napa. (1) Submit an application only during an advertised submittal period announced by the Director (currently closed with a waitlist). (2) Provide comprehensive documentation including owner ID, designation of hosted vs. non-hosted status, site plans, safety compliance documents, and rental rules. (3) Following Director evaluation and approval, pay the annual program fee and complete the required annual neighborhood notification mailing to properties within 500 feet.

(1) Submit an application only during an advertised submittal period announced by the Director (currently closed with a waitlist). (2) Provide comprehensive documentation including owner ID, designation of hosted vs. non-hosted status, site plans, safety compliance documents, and rental rules. (3) Following Director evaluation and approval, pay the annual program fee and complete the required annual neighborhood notification mailing to properties within 500 feet.

Vrbo is permitted in Napa, 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 Napa 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.

The most recent tracked change in Napa is "City of Napa STR Ordinance" (2022-10-01, status: passed). City enacted STR ordinance limiting whole-home unhosted rentals to primary residences with a 90-night annual cap. Annual city permit required; non-compliant operators face fines up to $1,000/day. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.

No. The City of Napa's STR ordinance limits whole-home unhosted rentals to primary residences only. Non-primary-residence investment STRs within city limits are not permitted. In unincorporated Napa County, separate restrictions apply — agricultural zone permits are capped.

City of Napa allows up to 90 unhosted rental nights per year for primary-residence STRs. This cap is under review and may be reduced to 60 nights. Hosted rentals (with the owner present) are treated differently and may have different limits.

No. The City of Napa and unincorporated Napa County have separate STR ordinances. Verify which jurisdiction your property falls under — city properties follow city rules while unincorporated wine country parcels follow county rules, which include agricultural zone permit caps.