Comparent
RestrictedCity

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Visalia, CA

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

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (STRs) are permitted subject to Visalia Municipal Code Section 17.32.166 primarily in residential zones (R-1 and R-M), limited to the habitable interior of a primary dwelling (no ADUs, garages, or RVs), and restricted to one STR per parcel. Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom plus one, a 24/7 local contact must respond within 45 minutes to complaints, and operators must maintain a city business license and collect Transient Occupancy Tax.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Complete the Short-Term Rental Permit Application (requires notarized signatures and proof of ownership) and a Business Tax Application. 2) Submit the original notarized application and Business Tax Application in person or by mail to the Business Tax window at City Hall West (707 W. Acequia, Visalia). 3) Pay the applicable semi-annual business tax and ensure ongoing collection/remittance of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).

Official Resources

Official Visalia STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Visalia, CA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Visalia, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (STRs) are permitted subject to Visalia Municipal Code Section 17.32.166 primarily in residential zones (R-1 and R-M), limited to the habitable interior of a primary dwelling (no ADUs, garages, or RVs), and restricted to one STR per parcel. Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom plus one, a 24/7 local contact must respond within 45 minutes to complaints, and operators must maintain a city business license and collect Transient Occupancy Tax. 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 Visalia, CA?
Short-term rentals (STRs) are permitted subject to Visalia Municipal Code Section 17.32.166 primarily in residential zones (R-1 and R-M), limited to the habitable interior of a primary dwelling (no ADUs, garages, or RVs), and restricted to one STR per parcel. Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom plus one, a 24/7 local contact must respond within 45 minutes to complaints, and operators must maintain a city business license and collect Transient Occupancy Tax.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Visalia?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Visalia. 1) Complete the Short-Term Rental Permit Application (requires notarized signatures and proof of ownership) and a Business Tax Application. 2) Submit the original notarized application and Business Tax Application in person or by mail to the Business Tax window at City Hall West (707 W. Acequia, Visalia). 3) Pay the applicable semi-annual business tax and ensure ongoing collection/remittance of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Visalia?
1) Complete the Short-Term Rental Permit Application (requires notarized signatures and proof of ownership) and a Business Tax Application. 2) Submit the original notarized application and Business Tax Application in person or by mail to the Business Tax window at City Hall West (707 W. Acequia, Visalia). 3) Pay the applicable semi-annual business tax and ensure ongoing collection/remittance of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).
Is Vrbo legal in Visalia, CA?
Vrbo is permitted in Visalia, 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 Visalia?
Short-term rental hosts in Visalia 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 Visalia?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Visalia. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

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