Santa Rosa Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Santa Rosa, California?

Short term rental regulations in Santa Rosa, California are found in the city's municipal code and zoning ordinances. These rules govern permitting, taxes, eligibility, and other requirements for renting out residential properties on sites like Airbnb and Vrbo.To start a short-term rental business in Santa Rosa, hosts must obtain a short-term rental permit for each rental property. This includes both hosted and non-hosted rentals.

Hosted rentals are those where the owner lives on the property while non-hosted rentals are those where the owner does not live on the property.New operators must register for TOT and BIA assessments prior to submitting a Short-Term Rental Permit application. TOT and BIA payments must be remitted monthly. Airbnb and Vrbo do not collect or remit taxes on behalf of Santa Rosa hosts.Santa Rosa has a non-hosted ban, which limits income potential for non-hosted rentals. The city's regulations are generally viewed as reasonable by hosts on Reddit and BiggerPockets. The permitting process is straightforward for hosted rentals, and the registration fees are low compared to other cities.

However, there is a lack of enforcement that allows unpermitted rentals to operate.There are no statewide regulations specific to short-term rentals in California. Local cities and counties establish their own rules regarding permitting, taxes, restrictions, and eligibility. These vary widely across the state.In summary, Santa Rosa has a regulatory framework for short-term rentals that includes permitting, taxes, and eligibility requirements. The city's regulations are generally viewed as reasonable by hosts, but there is a lack of enforcement that allows unpermitted rentals to operate.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Santa Rosa

To start a short-term rental business in Santa Rosa, follow these straightforward steps:

Obtain a short-term rental permit for each rental property. This includes both hosted and non-hosted rentals. Hosted rentals are those where the owner lives on the property, while non-hosted rentals are those where the owner does not live on the property.

Register to pay the City's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Santa Rosa Tourism Business Improvement Area (BIA) assessments. The TOT rate is currently 12% of the rental price, and hosts must also pay the Santa Rosa Tourism BIA, which is 1% of rent. TOT and BIA payments must be remitted monthly. Airbnb and Vrbo do not collect or remit taxes on behalf of Santa Rosa hosts.

Obtain City approvals prior to renting, offering, or advertising a Short-Term Rental. Hosted rentals can operate anywhere in the city, while non-hosted rentals can operate in specific zoning districts, such as Core Mixed Use (CMU), Station Mixed Use (SMU), Maker Mixed Use (MMU), Neighborhood Mixed Use (NMU), and Rural Residential (RR)1.

For hosted rentals, you must have a property manager and collect TOT from guests. For non-hosted rentals, you must have a certified vacation property manager and are limited to certain zones of the city1.

Ensure compliance with all operational requirements, such as noise limits and life safety requirements3.

If you have questions about the registration process or need assistance, contact the City of Santa Rosa's Planning and Economic Development Department at (707) 543-3200 or email [email protected]1.

By following these steps, you can successfully start a short-term rental business in Santa Rosa and comply with the city's regulations.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Santa Rosa

Short-term rental regulations in Santa Rosa, California require all operators to obtain a short-term rental permit for each rental property. Hosted rentals, where the owner lives on the property, and non-hosted rentals, where the owner does not live on the property, are both required to obtain a permit. The City's Short-Term Rentals Ordinance requires all short-term rental operators within City limits to obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit and follow specific advertising requirements.

The permit is valid for one year from the date of approval and must be renewed annually.To obtain a permit, new operators must register to pay the City’s Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Santa Rosa Tourism Business Improvement Area (BIA) assessments. Hosted rentals are required to have a property manager and collect TOT from guests. Non-hosted rentals are required to have a certified vacation property manager and are limited to certain zones of the city.

The City of Santa Rosa requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a Business Tax Certificate if they own four or more short-term rentals within City limits.Short-term rental operators are also required to pay BIA assessments. Although Airbnb and Vrbo collect lodging taxes on behalf of their hosts in other California cities, they do not do so in Santa Rosa, so operators are responsible for TOT compliance themselves.The TOT rate is currently 12% of the rental price, and hosts must also pay the Santa Rosa Tourism BIA, which is 1% of rent. TOT and BIA payments must be remitted monthly. Airbnb and Vrbo do not collect or remit taxes on behalf of Santa Rosa hosts.

The City of Santa Rosa has specific requirements for outdoor burning, noise limits, and life safety requirements for short-term rentals. Short-term renters and daytime guests must comply with all operational requirements.Overall, Santa Rosa is considered Airbnb friendly compared to other cities. However, there is a lack of enforcement that allows unpermitted rentals to operate. The non-hosted ban limits income potential.

To start a short-term rental business in Santa Rosa, follow these steps:

• Obtain a short-term rental permit for each rental property.
• Register to pay the City’s Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Santa Rosa Tourism Business Improvement Area (BIA) assessments.
• Obtain City approvals prior to renting, offering, or advertising a Short-Term Rental.

Hosted rentals are required to have a property manager and collect TOT from guests. Non-hosted rentals are required to have a certified vacation property manager and are limited to certain zones of the city.

Required Documents for Santa Rosa Short Term Rentals

In Santa Rosa, California, short-term rental operators are required to adhere to specific regulations and obtain various permits and documents to legally operate their properties. Here's a comprehensive overview of the required documents for Santa Rosa short-term rentals:To initiate a short-term rental business in Santa Rosa, operators must obtain a short-term rental permit for each rental property, whether it is hosted or non-hosted.

The city's regulations distinguish between hosted rentals, where the owner lives on the property, and non-hosted rentals, where the owner does not reside on the premises. The permit application process is a fundamental requirement for compliance with the city's zoning ordinances and municipal code4.Additionally, short-term rental operators are obligated to pay Santa Rosa Tourism Business Improvement Area (BIA) assessments. While platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo collect lodging taxes on behalf of their hosts in various California cities, they do not do so in Santa Rosa. As a result, operators are responsible for ensuring Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) compliance themselves1.

The city's regulations also mandate that hosted rentals have a property manager and collect TOT from guests. On the other hand, non-hosted rentals are required to have a certified vacation property manager and are restricted to specific zones within the city4.Furthermore, the City of Santa Rosa requires all owners of short-term rentals operating within its limits to register each property. This registration process necessitates the provision of detailed information, including the property address, ownership type, owner contact information, number of bedrooms to be rented, and management company details, if applicable3.

In light of the city's evolving regulatory framework, it's essential for short-term rental operators to stay informed about any changes or updates to the requirements. By ensuring full compliance with the necessary permits and documentation, operators can maintain a legally sound and sustainable short-term rental business in Santa Rosa.

Santa Rosa Short Term Rental Taxes

Short-term rental taxes in Santa Rosa, California are governed by the City's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Santa Rosa Tourism Business Improvement Area (BIA) assessments. Hosts are required to charge a TOT of 12% of the rental price, which includes a 9% TOT and a 3% BIA assessment. The TOT is paid by the occupant and collected by the lodging operator. The lodging operator then remits the tax to the City of Santa Rosa. Hosts must also pay the Santa Rosa Tourism BIA which is 1% of rent. TOT and BIA payments must be remitted monthly.

Airbnb and Vrbo do not collect or remit taxes on behalf of Santa Rosa hosts.In addition, an owner of four or more short-term rentals within City limits is required to possess a Business Tax Certificate. Hosts must register to pay the City's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Santa Rosa Tourism Business Improvement Area (BIA) assessments.

Hosted rentals are required to have a property manager and collect TOT from guests. Non-hosted rentals are required to have a certified vacation property manager and are limited to certain zones of the city.

California-wide Short Term Rental Rules

Short-term rental regulations in California are not very detailed, and instead, local authorities are allowed to impose regulations in the areas under their jurisdiction. The statewide regulations allow short-term home sharing for no more than 120 days per year unless the host has obtained an extended home sharing approval1. Each California county and city has enacted its own vacation rental regulations to ensure the quality of life for residents and visitors.

Short-term rentals can only be operated from the host's primary residence with a valid permit, and the maximum number of occupants per single-family is four4.California does not have a statewide lodging tax, but cities and counties can levy transient occupancy tax (TOT) on accommodations. Short-term rental operators may be required to register with local tax authorities, collect TOT from guests, and file TOT returns.

The exact requirements are specific to each city or county3.In Santa Rosa, short-term rental operators must obtain a short-term rental permit for each rental property, and hosted rentals are required to have a property manager and collect Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) from guests. Non-hosted rentals are required to have a certified vacation property manager and are limited to certain zones of the city. Short-term rental operators are also required to pay TOT and Santa Rosa Tourism Business Improvement Area (BIA) assessments, which must be remitted monthly1.

The City of Santa Rosa requires all short-term rental operators within city limits to obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit and follow specific advertising requirements. The permitting process is straightforward for hosted rentals, and the registration fees are low compared to other cities. However, there is a lack of enforcement that allows unpermitted rentals to operate. The non-hosted ban limits income potential. Overall, the consensus is that Santa Rosa is Airbnb friendly compared to other cities5.

To start a short-term rental business in Santa Rosa, hosts must obtain a short-term rental permit for each rental property, register to pay the City's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Santa Rosa Tourism Business Improvement Area (BIA) assessments, and obtain City approvals prior to renting, offering, or advertising a Short-Term Rental. Hosted rentals are required to have a property manager and collect TOT from guests. Non-hosted rentals are required to have a certified vacation property manager and are limited to certain zones of the city1.

Does Santa Rosa strictly enforce STR rules?

Santa Rosa's approach to enforcing short-term rental (STR) rules is characterized by a balance between regulation and flexibility. The city's regulations, which include a ban on non-hosted rentals in certain areas and a requirement for all operators to obtain a short-term rental permit, are clearly defined and actively communicated to property owners. However, there are indications that the enforcement of these regulations may not be as stringent as in other cities.

The city's regulations, which came into effect on October 13, 2021, are designed to establish a regulatory framework for STRs. While the permitting process is well-structured and the registration fees are relatively low compared to those in other cities, there are concerns about the lack of strict enforcement. This has led to unpermitted rentals operating in the city, potentially impacting the overall market and the income potential for compliant operators.

The city's regulations also include specific operational requirements, such as noise limits and safety provisions, which indicate a clear intent to ensure the well-being of both residents and visitors. However, the extent to which these requirements are enforced in practice may vary.In summary, while Santa Rosa has put in place clear and comprehensive regulations for short-term rentals, there are indications that the enforcement of these rules may not be as rigorous as in some other cities.

This balance between regulation and flexibility may be seen as both a benefit and a challenge for those looking to operate within the city's short-term rental market.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Santa Rosa?

To start a short-term rental business in Santa Rosa, follow these steps:

• Obtain a short-term rental permit: All short-term rental operators must obtain a short-term rental permit for each rental property. This includes both hosted and non-hosted rentals3.
• Register for TOT and BIA assessments: New operators must register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Santa Rosa Tourism Business Improvement Area (BIA) assessments prior to submitting a Short-Term Rental application1.
• Submit the registration form: To initiate the TOT and/or BIA registration process, submit the registration form to [email protected] 1.
• Obtain City approvals: Hosted rentals can operate anywhere in the city, while non-hosted rentals can operate in specific zoning districts such as Core Mixed Use (CMU), Station Mixed Use (SMU), Maker Mixed Use (MMU), Neighborhood Mixed Use (NMU), and Rural Residential (RR) 1.
• Pay TOT and BIA assessments: Hosts must pay the City's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) at a rate of 12% of the rental price and the Santa Rosa Tourism BIA, which is 1% of rent. TOT and BIA payments must be remitted monthly3.
• Adhere to local regulations: Santa Rosa hosts must comply with noise restrictions, quiet hours, recreational fires, firepits, outdoor fireplaces, and grills. They must also provide evacuation notifications and have a City of Santa Rosa evacuation checklist2.
• Maintain compliance: Short-term rental owners must register to pay the City's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Santa Rosa Tourism Business Improvement Area (BIA) assessments1.

Who to contact in Santa Rosa about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

For short-term rental permits and regulations in Santa Rosa, contact:City of Santa Rosa Planning Department
Phone: (707) 543-3200
Email: [email protected]

What do Airbnb hosts in Santa Rosa on Reddit and BiggerPockets think about local regulations?

Airbnb hosts in Santa Rosa, California, generally find the city's short-term rental regulations to be reasonable. The permitting process is considered straightforward for hosted rentals, and the registration fees are perceived as low compared to those in other cities.

However, there is a common concern about the lack of enforcement, which allows unpermitted rentals to operate. Additionally, the ban on non-hosted rentals is seen as limiting the income potential for hosts. Despite these challenges, the consensus is that Santa Rosa is relatively Airbnb-friendly compared to other cities.