Are Vacation Rentals Allowed in Sonoma County?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re planning a trip to Sonoma County, you might be wondering if vacation rentals are allowed in the area. The answer is: it depends.

In 2016, Sonoma County passed an ordinance regulating vacation rentals. The ordinance set rules for how many people could stay in a rental, how long they could stay, and where the rental could be located.

Under the current regulations, vacation rentals are allowed in certain areas of Sonoma County. However, there are restrictions that must be followed.

Here’s what you need to know:

Where Are Vacation Rentals Allowed

Vacation rentals are allowed in certain areas of Sonoma County. These areas include:

  • Unincorporated areas of the county
  • City of Santa Rosa
  • City of Sonoma
  • City of Sebastopol
  • City of Healdsburg
  • Town of Windsor

If you’re planning on renting a property outside of these areas, it’s important to check with local regulations to ensure that it’s legal.

What Are the Restrictions

While vacation rentals are allowed in certain areas of Sonoma County, there are restrictions that must be followed. These include:

  • A maximum occupancy limit of 16 people
  • A maximum stay limit of 30 consecutive days
  • A requirement for the property owner to obtain a business license and pay transient occupancy tax (TOT)
  • A requirement for the property owner to provide guests with information about noise levels and parking restrictions

The Impact on Housing Availability

One concern about vacation rentals is their impact on the availability of housing. When properties are used as vacation rentals, they’re not available for long-term rental. This can make finding housing more difficult for locals.

To address this concern, Sonoma County has implemented a “one host, one home” policy. This means that hosts can only rent out one property at a time. Additionally, hosts must live on the property or within 20 miles of it.

The Bottom Line

If you’re planning on renting a vacation property in Sonoma County, it’s important to understand the regulations that are in place. Vacation rentals are allowed in certain areas, but there are restrictions that must be followed.

By following these rules and being respectful of the community, you can enjoy your stay in Sonoma County and help preserve its unique character for future visitors.