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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Windsor, CA

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

Zoning & Conditions

Hosted STRs are allowed in residential and certain commercial districts, while non-hosted STRs are prohibited in residential districts. Occupancy is capped at two overnight occupants per bedroom (max 8 total), and properties must have a front-entrance camera and a backyard noise monitor.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Apply for a Town STR license and a Town Business License. 2) Complete a fire safety inspection through the Sonoma County Fire District. 3) Install required monitoring equipment (cameras/noise monitors) and pay applicable fees for initial issuance and biannual renewal.

Official Resources

Official Windsor STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Windsor, CA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Windsor, CA, but with restrictions. Hosted STRs are allowed in residential and certain commercial districts, while non-hosted STRs are prohibited in residential districts. Occupancy is capped at two overnight occupants per bedroom (max 8 total), and properties must have a front-entrance camera and a backyard noise monitor. 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 Windsor, CA?
Hosted STRs are allowed in residential and certain commercial districts, while non-hosted STRs are prohibited in residential districts. Occupancy is capped at two overnight occupants per bedroom (max 8 total), and properties must have a front-entrance camera and a backyard noise monitor.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Windsor?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Windsor. 1) Apply for a Town STR license and a Town Business License. 2) Complete a fire safety inspection through the Sonoma County Fire District. 3) Install required monitoring equipment (cameras/noise monitors) and pay applicable fees for initial issuance and biannual renewal.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Windsor?
1) Apply for a Town STR license and a Town Business License. 2) Complete a fire safety inspection through the Sonoma County Fire District. 3) Install required monitoring equipment (cameras/noise monitors) and pay applicable fees for initial issuance and biannual renewal.
Is Vrbo legal in Windsor, CA?
Vrbo is permitted in Windsor, 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 Windsor?
Short-term rental hosts in Windsor 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 Windsor?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Windsor. 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