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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Santa Barbara, CA

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are classified as 'Hotels and Similar Uses' and are prohibited in single-unit and two-unit residential zones. Properties with an ADU or JADU cannot be rented for less than 31 days, and all operators must collect/remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and hold a Business Tax Certificate.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Confirm the property's zoning allows 'hotel/similar' uses; 2) File a land-use application for a change-of-use (e.g., Conditional Use Permit or Hotel Conversion Permit) with the Planning division; 3) Obtain a City Business Tax Certificate and register to pay Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).

Regulatory Updates — Santa Barbara

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedSeptember 2023

Primary Residence Requirement and Permit Cap

Santa Barbara requires STR operators in residential zones to use the property as their primary residence for whole-home (non-hosted) rentals. A city-wide cap on non-hosted rental permits applies in residential zones, and when the cap is reached, new applicants are waitlisted.

PassedJuly 2024

Enforcement Against Unpermitted Rentals

Santa Barbara's Community Development Department increased enforcement against unpermitted vacation rentals through listing platform monitoring. Non-compliant operators receive citations requiring permit compliance or cessation of operations.

Under ReviewAugust 2025

City Reviews Additional Residential Zone Restrictions

Santa Barbara is reviewing whether to further tighten residential zone STR regulations, including lowering existing caps and extending primary-residence requirements to additional zone designations.

Official Resources

Official Santa Barbara STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

California Rental Housing AssociationStatewide

Statewide advocacy organization monitoring STR regulations in Santa Barbara and other California coastal cities with primary residence restrictions.

Santa Barbara Chamber of CommerceLocal

Tracks local business regulations including STR ordinance changes affecting Santa Barbara's tourism and hospitality industry.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing compliance guidance and regulatory monitoring for vacation rental managers in California's high-value coastal markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Santa Barbara, CA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Santa Barbara, CA, but with restrictions. STRs are classified as 'Hotels and Similar Uses' and are prohibited in single-unit and two-unit residential zones. Properties with an ADU or JADU cannot be rented for less than 31 days, and all operators must collect/remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and hold a Business Tax Certificate. 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.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Santa Barbara, CA?
STRs are classified as 'Hotels and Similar Uses' and are prohibited in single-unit and two-unit residential zones. Properties with an ADU or JADU cannot be rented for less than 31 days, and all operators must collect/remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and hold a Business Tax Certificate.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Santa Barbara?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Santa Barbara. 1) Confirm the property's zoning allows 'hotel/similar' uses; 2) File a land-use application for a change-of-use (e.g., Conditional Use Permit or Hotel Conversion Permit) with the Planning division; 3) Obtain a City Business Tax Certificate and register to pay Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Santa Barbara?
1) Confirm the property's zoning allows 'hotel/similar' uses; 2) File a land-use application for a change-of-use (e.g., Conditional Use Permit or Hotel Conversion Permit) with the Planning division; 3) Obtain a City Business Tax Certificate and register to pay Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).
Is Vrbo legal in Santa Barbara, CA?
Vrbo is permitted in Santa Barbara, 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Santa Barbara?
Short-term rental hosts in Santa Barbara 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Santa Barbara?
The most recent tracked change in Santa Barbara is "Primary Residence Requirement and Permit Cap" (2023-09-01, status: passed). Santa Barbara requires STR operators in residential zones to use the property as their primary residence for whole-home (non-hosted) rentals. A city-wide cap on non-hosted rental permits applies in residential zones, and when the cap is reached, new applicants are waitlisted. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
Can investors operate a vacation rental in Santa Barbara without living there?
Not in residential zones. Santa Barbara requires whole-home STR operators in residential zones to use the property as their primary residence. Non-owner-occupied investment properties in residential zones cannot obtain a non-hosted STR permit. Mixed-use and commercial zones have more permissive rules. Before purchasing Santa Barbara property for STR investment, verify the property's zone and the current status of the non-hosted permit cap.
What taxes apply to Santa Barbara short-term rental income?
Santa Barbara operators collect city transient occupancy tax (TOT). There is no California statewide lodging tax. Santa Barbara's TOT rate should be confirmed with the city's finance department. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit TOT on behalf of hosts in Santa Barbara. Operators booking directly must register and remit to the City of Santa Barbara Finance Department independently.
How does Santa Barbara's STR market compare to neighboring Ventura and Goleta?
Santa Barbara, Ventura (Ventura County), and Goleta (Santa Barbara County unincorporated or incorporated) each have their own STR ordinances. Santa Barbara city has the strictest residential zone restrictions. Goleta and unincorporated Santa Barbara County areas have somewhat more permissive frameworks. Ventura (in a separate county) has its own rules. Operators should confirm the specific jurisdiction governing their property.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction