Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Santa Rosa, CA

Short-Term Rentals are regulated by Santa Rosa Municipal Code Chapter 20-48: STRs are allowed subject to permit types (Hosted and Non-Hosted) with specific operational standards. Occupancy is limited to two renters per bedroom and a maximum of 10 renters (excluding children under 3); Hosted permits require an affidavit that the unit is the operator's principal residence. Non-hosted permits are capped citywide (city does not accept new non-hosted applications; existing non-hosted permits are limited and reduced through attrition), and STRs must comply with TOT/BIA registration, parking, noise, fire/building code, and outdoor burning restrictions.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Santa Rosa. 1) Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and BIA assessments prior to submitting a Short-Term Rental Permit application (submit TOT registration form to the City’s Revenue division as stated on the City’s TOT page). 2) Submit a Short-Term Rental Permit application (New or Renewal) to the City’s Planning/Permit portal and pay the Short-Term Rental Permit Application fee as set in the City Fee Schedule; Hosted permits require an affidavit verifying principal residence and all permits must demonstrate compliance with applicable building/fire codes and operational standards. 3) Follow neighbor renoticing and renoticing fee requirements where applicable; renewals must be submitted within the stated renewal window (60 days prior to expiration, or up to 30 days after expiration) and permits are annual (expiration one year after issuance per FAQ examples).

1) Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and BIA assessments prior to submitting a Short-Term Rental Permit application (submit TOT registration form to the City’s Revenue division as stated on the City’s TOT page). 2) Submit a Short-Term Rental Permit application (New or Renewal) to the City’s Planning/Permit portal and pay the Short-Term Rental Permit Application fee as set in the City Fee Schedule; Hosted permits require an affidavit verifying principal residence and all permits must demonstrate compliance with applicable building/fire codes and operational standards. 3) Follow neighbor renoticing and renoticing fee requirements where applicable; renewals must be submitted within the stated renewal window (60 days prior to expiration, or up to 30 days after expiration) and permits are annual (expiration one year after issuance per FAQ examples).