Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Orleans, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Orleans, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are permitted in residential zones subject to caps (2% in Coastal Greater Humboldt Bay, 5% elsewhere) and neighborhood concentration limits. Occupancy is limited to 2 persons per bedroom plus 1 (excluding children under 12), and one off-street parking space is required per rented bedroom. Prohibitions apply to ADUs built after 2020, SB9 units, and affordable housing units. 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 permitted in residential zones subject to caps (2% in Coastal Greater Humboldt Bay, 5% elsewhere) and neighborhood concentration limits. Occupancy is limited to 2 persons per bedroom plus 1 (excluding children under 12), and one off-street parking space is required per rented bedroom. Prohibitions apply to ADUs built after 2020, SB9 units, and affordable housing units.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Orleans. 1. Submit a complete application to Humboldt County Planning & Building including a grant deed, Good Neighbor Guide, and an affidavit of neighbor notification. 2. The County issues an Administrative Permit for compliant units (Special or Conditional Use permits are required for exceptions or Tsunami zones). 3. Permits must be renewed every two years by filing a Statement of Continued Operation and paying a review fee.

1. Submit a complete application to Humboldt County Planning & Building including a grant deed, Good Neighbor Guide, and an affidavit of neighbor notification. 2. The County issues an Administrative Permit for compliant units (Special or Conditional Use permits are required for exceptions or Tsunami zones). 3. Permits must be renewed every two years by filing a Statement of Continued Operation and paying a review fee.

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