Short-Term Rentals in Brentwood, CA

If you live in Brentwood or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Brentwood has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Short-Term Rental Permits

Brentwood does not issue short-term rental permits because it does not allow short-term rentals at all. Municipal Code Section 17.796.003 makes it unlawful to rent any dwelling unit, or even amenities like a pool or backyard, for thirty consecutive days or less anywhere in the city.

Key details: Governing chapter: Brentwood Municipal Code Ch. 17.796. Rule: All short-term rentals prohibited citywide. Definition threshold: 30 consecutive days or less. Misdemeanor fine: Up to $1,000 or 6 months jail. Infraction fines: $100/$200/$500 for repeat offenses.

Operating a short-term rental in Brentwood is a misdemeanor under Municipal Code Section 1.20.010(A) unless the city attorney elects to charge it as an infraction. A misdemeanor carries a fine up to one thousand dollars, imprisonment up to six months, or both, per Section 1.20.010(A) and Government Code Sections 36900 and 36901. If charged as an infraction instead, fines run up to one hundred dollars for a first offense, two hundred dollars for a second offense of the same provision within twelve months, and five hundred dollars for each additional offense in that period. Every day the rental continues counts as a separate violation.

This is one of the stricter rules in Brentwood's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Occupancy Limits

Brentwood applies standard residential occupancy limits to short-term rentals. California Building Code and the Uniform Housing Code generally support a 2-persons-per-bedroom-plus-1 guideline as reasonable. Operators must also comply with fire and life-safety egress requirements, parking capacity, and any HOA occupancy limits in CC&Rs.

Key details: Common benchmark: 2: Common benchmark: 2 persons per bedroom plus 1 (HUD Keating Memo). Every sleeping room: Every sleeping room must have egress per CRC R310. Garage Conversion: Unpermitted conversions (garages, basements) do not count as bedrooms. Large events typically: Large events typically require a separate special event permit. HOA CC&Rs may: HOA CC&Rs may set stricter occupancy limits under Davis-Stirling.

Short-Term Rental Parking Rules

Short-term rental guests in Brentwood must follow the same parking rules as any other residents. On-site parking should accommodate guest vehicles to avoid impacts on neighbors. California Vehicle Code 22651(k) allows towing of vehicles parked on public streets for more than 72 consecutive hours, and Brentwood's overnight and oversized vehicle rules apply to guest vehicles.

Key details: Requirement: No STR-specific parking ordinance; standard residential rules apply. Local Contact: CVC 22651(k) allows tow after 72 hours parked on a public street. Requirement: No vehicles parked on unpaved yards; paved driveway or garage only. Requirement: Oversized vehicle and permit parking zone rules apply to guests. Requirement: HOA CC&R parking rules may be stricter and are enforced privately.

The Bottom Line

Brentwood's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Brentwood is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Brentwood can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, which shows when its source was last checked.