Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Petaluma, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Petaluma, CA, but with restrictions. STRs are permitted only in residential, planned unit development (PUD), and mixed-use zoning districts. Hosted units (owner on-site) may rent up to two bedrooms with a limit of 2 overnight occupants per bedroom plus 2; non-hosted units may rent the entire dwelling but are limited to 90 days per calendar year. ADUs permitted after Sept 7, 2017, are prohibited from STR use, and all listings must include the city permit number. 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.

STRs are permitted only in residential, planned unit development (PUD), and mixed-use zoning districts. Hosted units (owner on-site) may rent up to two bedrooms with a limit of 2 overnight occupants per bedroom plus 2; non-hosted units may rent the entire dwelling but are limited to 90 days per calendar year. ADUs permitted after Sept 7, 2017, are prohibited from STR use, and all listings must include the city permit number.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Petaluma. 1) Submit the Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit application and City General Application via the Planning Application Hub; 2) Pay the initial permit fee ($459 plus 9% overhead) and obtain a City Business License and TOT certificate; 3) Provide documentation including owner verification, local manager contact info, and proof of safety compliance (smoke/CO detectors). Permits must be renewed annually by Dec 31.

1) Submit the Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit application and City General Application via the Planning Application Hub; 2) Pay the initial permit fee ($459 plus 9% overhead) and obtain a City Business License and TOT certificate; 3) Provide documentation including owner verification, local manager contact info, and proof of safety compliance (smoke/CO detectors). Permits must be renewed annually by Dec 31.

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