Visalia Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

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

In Visalia, short-term rentals (STRs) are regulated under the city's zoning code and ordinances. All STRs require a permit from the Community Development Department (13).

Recent ordinance changes only allow STRs in primary residences, with a maximum of 2 guest rooms. Accessory dwelling units cannot be used as STRs (1). Major requirements include parking standards, occupancy limits, noise restrictions, and quarterly transient occupancy tax payments (123).

Fines for violations start at $100 per day. The city has been cracking down on illegal listings, with strict enforcement of the rules (4).

Hosts must register for permits and transient occupancy tax certificates from the city finance department. Required documents also include a business license and proof of insurance (23).

Statewide, California leaves STR regulations to local jurisdictions. Common requirements are permits or licenses, occupancy limits, parking standards, trash plans, and transient occupancy taxes (2).

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Visalia

In Visalia, California, starting a short-term rental (STR) business requires compliance with specific regulations. The city recently adopted a new ordinance imposing stricter restrictions on STR properties, such as Airbnbs235.

To initiate an STR business in Visalia, the following steps are essential:

Determine Property Eligibility: Ensure that your property meets Visalia's STR rules, which now limit such rentals to primary residences only, with a maximum of two guest rooms and specific parking requirements25.

Obtain an STR Permit and Business License: A permit is mandatory to operate an STR in Visalia. This involves submitting an application, floor plans, and paying permit fees2. Additionally, the city now requires a valid business license for operating an STR5.

Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): If you plan to rent out your property for short periods, you must register to pay TOT, also known as "hotel tax"8.

Comply with Regulations: Ensure adherence to various regulations, including parking, occupancy limits, noise rules, and trash plans2.

The city's strict enforcement of these regulations is evident from recent updates, with fines for violations starting at $100 per day2. The new rules aim to protect neighborhood integrity by controlling parking, noise, and other potential nuisances associated with STRs5.

The city's Community Development Department can provide further information on these regulations and zoning requirements5.The recent changes in Visalia's regulations reflect a trend of increased scrutiny and control over the short-term rental market34.

Therefore, it is crucial for potential hosts to stay informed about the evolving regulatory landscape and ensure full compliance to avoid potential penalties and loss of hosting rights5.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Visalia

In Visalia, California, short-term rental properties, such as Airbnb and VRBO, are subject to strict regulations. One of the key requirements is obtaining a city-issued license to operate4. This license ensures that the rental property complies with the city's regulations and contributes to the preservation of the neighborhood's integrity.The new city ordinance addresses several concerns related to short-term rentals, including:

• Parking: Rental properties must provide two off-street parking spaces5.
• Noise and trash: Strict rules are in place to minimize noise and trash-related disturbances5.
• Occupancy limits: The ordinance sets specific occupancy limits for short-term rentals, which cannot exceed the number of bedrooms plus two guests5.

By obtaining a city-issued license, short-term rental property owners in Visalia demonstrate their commitment to adhering to these regulations and maintaining a peaceful and orderly environment for their neighbors. This licensing requirement is an essential step in ensuring the smooth operation of short-term rentals in the city.

Required Documents for Visalia Short Term Rentals

In Visalia, California, the city council has recently voted to direct staff to draft a Short-Term Rental ordinance, which includes several requirements for short-term rental properties. These requirements are aimed at regulating and monitoring the short-term rental market in the city. Some of the key requirements for short-term rentals in Visalia include:

• Limiting the number of short-term rentals: The city will limit the number of short-term rentals allowed in Visalia.
• Property owner residency: The property owner of the short-term rental must reside in the unit.
• Transient Occupancy Tax Registration: Hosts must register for permits and transient occupancy tax certificates from the city finance department.
• Parking requirements: There are specific regulations on parking, including the number of off-street parking spaces required for the property.
• Establishing quiet hours: The ordinance includes regulations for establishing quiet hours, limiting the use of a short-term rental, and the number of occupants allowed.

To operate a short-term rental in Visalia, hosts must obtain a permit, which involves submitting an application, floor plans, and paying permit fees. The permit must be renewed annually. Only primary residences can be used as short-term rentals, with up to two guest rooms.

Required documents for Visalia short-term rentals include the short-term rental permit, Transient Occupancy Tax Certificate, business license, and proof of insurance. Hosts are also required to comply with occupancy limits, parking standards, trash plans, and transient occupancy taxes2.The city of Visalia has strict enforcement of its short-term rental regulations.

The city recently updated its rules to tighten control, responding to complaints about nuisances and housing impacts. Fines for violations start at $100 per day, and there have been reports of crackdowns on illegal listings6.

Visalia Short Term Rental Taxes

Visalia has recently implemented stringent regulations for short-term rentals (STRs), such as Airbnb and VRBO. The city council voted to adopt a new ordinance, which includes several requirements for operating an STR. These requirements encompass limiting the number of STRs, establishing an application and registration process, mandating that the property owner reside in the unit, and implementing transient occupancy tax (TOT) registration, among other provisions12.

In terms of TOT, hosts in Visalia are required to pay a 10% tax on the listing price, including any cleaning fees, for reservations lasting 30 nights and shorter9. Additionally, hosts must keep a guest registry and submit quarterly TOT payments5. The TOT is commonly known as a "hotel tax" or "bed tax" and is authorized under Tulare County Article 113.

The city's zoning ordinances also impose controls over parking, noise, and trash to protect neighborhood integrity. Furthermore, the new regulations necessitate a mandatory city-issued license to operate an STR, with penalties for non-compliance, including the potential loss of the right to host short-term renters8.

To summarize, Visalia's recent regulations on short-term rentals are comprehensive and aimed at ensuring the responsible and compliant operation of such properties within the city.

California wide Short Term Rental Rules

When it comes to short-term rental (STR) rules in California, it's essential to be well-informed, as individual cities and municipalities have the authority to set their own regulations.

For instance, in Los Angeles, an important requirement is that the property being rented out must be the host's primary residence, and it can be rented for no more than 120 nights per year1. To ensure compliance and a streamlined process, it's crucial to become familiar with the specific guidelines in the target area.The state of California has seen a surge in the adoption of regulations to manage the short-term rental market.

These rules are aimed at establishing a level playing field and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of guests, hosts, and the larger communities. While the statewide regulations are not highly detailed, they allow local authorities to impose regulations within their jurisdictions4.

As a result, it's important for STR hosts to stay updated on the specific rules in their area.In addition to city-specific regulations, hosts in California should also be aware of state-level requirements. For instance, the state passed a law that mandates short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO to provide local regulations to hosts5.

This underscores the importance of staying informed about both local and state regulations to operate an Airbnb or short-term rental property in California.

In summary, navigating the short-term rental market in California requires a good understanding of the rules and regulations at both the local and state levels. By staying informed and compliant, hosts can ensure a smooth and successful operation within the legal framework.

Does Visalia strictly enforce STR rules?

Visalia strictly enforces its short-term rental regulations, as evidenced by recent updates to the city's ordinance2. The new rules aim to address concerns such as noise disruption, parking standards, and transient occupancy taxes5.

Here are some key points about enforcement in Visalia:

• The city council has adopted a new city ordinance with stricter regulations for short-term rentals5.
• The new ordinance allows short-term rentals only in primary residences, with a maximum of two guest rooms2.
• Renting is prohibited in accessory dwelling units as short-term rentals2.
• Hosts must maintain a guest registry and submit quarterly Transient Occupancy Tax payments2.
• The city council has received multiple complaints from constituents and their own negative experiences with short-term rentals6.

These enforcement efforts demonstrate Visalia's commitment to maintaining the quality of life in its neighborhoods and ensuring that short-term rentals operate within the city's regulations.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Visalia?

Starting a short-term rental business in Visalia involves several steps and adhering to specific regulations.

Here's a straightforward guide to help you get started:

Determine if your property qualifies under Visalia's STR rules: Ensure that your property meets the city's criteria for short-term rentals, which include being located in a residential zone and having a permit for operating as a short-term rental2.

Obtain an STR permit and business license: Apply for a permit from the Community Development Department and obtain a city of Visalia business license2.

Register to pay Transient Occupancy Tax: As a short-term rental operator, you'll need to register and pay the Transient Occupancy Tax2.

Comply with regulations: Adhere to the city's regulations, such as parking, trash, noise rules, occupancy limits, parking standards, trash plans, and transient occupancy taxes2.

Provide proof of liability insurance: Obtain proof of liability insurance to protect yourself from potential legal issues1.

Stay updated on city ordinances: Keep yourself informed about any changes in city ordinances, as Visalia has recently adopted new rules to tighten control over short-term rentals4.

By following these steps and ensuring compliance with local regulations, you can successfully start and operate a short-term rental business in Visalia.

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

Contact Visalia Community Development Department at 559-713-4359 or comdevinfo@visalia.city regarding permits and zoning for short-term rentals (13).

What do Airbnb hosts in Visalia on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Airbnb hosts in Visalia have expressed concerns about the city's strict new short-term rental (STR) regulations. The recent ordinance, which includes a mandatory city-issued license to operate, has put significant restrictions on Airbnb landlords, with potential consequences for non-compliance, such as the removal of temporary tenants and even the loss of the right to host short-term renters15.

The changes to the city’s zoning ordinances also impose tighter controls over parking, noise, and trash, aiming to protect neighborhood integrity1. Some residents have reported negative experiences, including property damage and disturbances, attributed to short-term renters1.Reddit users have reported strict enforcement, making hosting difficult6.

Additionally, BiggerPockets users have advised potential investors to carefully check local rules before investing in a Visalia STR6. The city's enforcement of regulations has been described as stringent, with fines for violations starting at $100 per day6.

In light of these regulations, it is important for potential hosts to carefully consider the impact of these rules on their STR business in Visalia.