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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Sonoma County, CA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

In unincorporated Sonoma County, vacation rentals are limited to a maximum of five guestrooms. In Santa Rosa, new permits are restricted to 'Hosted' rentals where the owner must reside on the property for more than half the year; starting in 2025, a Business Tax Certificate is also required.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Determine if the property is in an unincorporated area or a city; 2. For unincorporated areas, apply for a Vacation Rental business license through Permit Sonoma; 3. For Santa Rosa, apply for a Hosted STR permit (principal residence required) and obtain a Business Tax Certificate.

Official Resources

Official Sonoma County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Sonoma County, CA?
In unincorporated Sonoma County, vacation rentals are limited to a maximum of five guestrooms. In Santa Rosa, new permits are restricted to 'Hosted' rentals where the owner must reside on the property for more than half the year; starting in 2025, a Business Tax Certificate is also required.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Sonoma County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Sonoma County. 1. Determine if the property is in an unincorporated area or a city; 2. For unincorporated areas, apply for a Vacation Rental business license through Permit Sonoma; 3. For Santa Rosa, apply for a Hosted STR permit (principal residence required) and obtain a Business Tax Certificate.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Sonoma County?
1. Determine if the property is in an unincorporated area or a city; 2. For unincorporated areas, apply for a Vacation Rental business license through Permit Sonoma; 3. For Santa Rosa, apply for a Hosted STR permit (principal residence required) and obtain a Business Tax Certificate.

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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction