Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Turlock, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Turlock, CA, but with restrictions. Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units shall not be rented for periods of thirty (30) days or less. The municipal code defines a 'transient' as occupancy of thirty (30) consecutive calendar days or less and subjects such transient occupancy to the city's Hotel/Motel (Transient Occupancy) Tax (9%). Zoning questions and home-based business rules are handled by the Planning Division; home-occupations require a Home Occupation Permit under TMC 9-5-211. 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.

Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units shall not be rented for periods of thirty (30) days or less. The municipal code defines a 'transient' as occupancy of thirty (30) consecutive calendar days or less and subjects such transient occupancy to the city's Hotel/Motel (Transient Occupancy) Tax (9%). Zoning questions and home-based business rules are handled by the Planning Division; home-occupations require a Home Occupation Permit under TMC 9-5-211.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Turlock. 1) Register rentals that qualify as lodging to transients with the Finance Director and obtain a City of Turlock Business License Certificate (Chapter 3-6). 2) Register and remit the Transient Occupancy Tax (9% of rent) to the Finance/Accounts Receivable (Finance Division). 3) For residential/home-based operations, consult the Planning Division regarding zoning and obtain a Home Occupation Permit if the activity is a home business (TMC 9-5-211) and obtain the City business license per the Finance Division’s process.

1) Register rentals that qualify as lodging to transients with the Finance Director and obtain a City of Turlock Business License Certificate (Chapter 3-6). 2) Register and remit the Transient Occupancy Tax (9% of rent) to the Finance/Accounts Receivable (Finance Division). 3) For residential/home-based operations, consult the Planning Division regarding zoning and obtain a Home Occupation Permit if the activity is a home business (TMC 9-5-211) and obtain the City business license per the Finance Division’s process.

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