Short-Term Rentals in Santa Clara, CA (2026)
8 verified short-term rentals rules for Santa Clara, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Permit Requirements
Santa Clara regulates short-term rentals under its Municipal Code, generally requiring a business license, TOT registration, and zoning compliance before advertising stays under 30 days.
Santa Clara Short-Term Rental Permit Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsNoise Rules
Santa Clara short-term rental guests must comply with the citywide noise ordinance, including quiet hours that typically run from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., with operators responsible for guest conduct.
Santa Clara Short-Term Rental Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsTaxes & Fees
Santa Clara imposes a 9.5% Transient Occupancy Tax on short-term rentals of fewer than 30 days, plus business license fees and registration costs payable to the Finance Department.
Santa Clara Short-Term Rental Taxes and Fees
Heavy RestrictionsParking Rules
Santa Clara short-term rental operators must provide off-street parking consistent with residential zoning and ensure guests do not block driveways, fire lanes, or create parking impacts on neighbors.
Santa Clara Short-Term Rental Parking Rules
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Vehicle Code § 22651(a), (b), (d), (k)
A peace officer ... may remove a vehicle ... under the following circumstances: (a) If a vehicle is left unattended upon a bridge, viaduct, or causeway ... (b) If a vehicle is parked or left standing upon a highway in a position so as to obstruct the normal movement of traffic or in a condition so as to create a hazard to other traffic upon the highway. ... (d) If a vehicle is illegally parked ...
Occupancy Limits
Santa Clara short-term rentals are subject to occupancy caps typically based on bedroom count, plus California building and fire code occupant load limits to protect health and safety.
Santa Clara Short-Term Rental Occupancy Limits
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code § 17920.3(a)(9), (12), (16)
Any building or portion thereof including any dwelling unit, guestroom or suite of rooms, or the premises on which the same is located, in which there exists any of the following listed conditions to an extent that endangers the life, limb, health, property, safety, or welfare of the public or the occupants thereof shall be deemed and hereby is declared to be a substandard building: (a) Inadequ...
Insurance Requirements
Santa Clara short-term rental operators are typically required to carry liability insurance covering the rental use, with minimum coverage amounts set by the city or platform and certificates kept on file.
Santa Clara Short-Term Rental Insurance Requirements
Some RestrictionsNight Caps
Santa Clara may impose annual night caps on short-term rentals, particularly for non-primary residences or hosted stays, to limit the conversion of housing stock to tourist lodging.
Santa Clara Short-Term Rental Night Caps
Heavy RestrictionsRegistration Rules
Santa Clara requires short-term rental operators to register with the city, obtain a permit number, display it on listings, and renew annually with proof of compliance with safety and tax rules.
Santa Clara Short-Term Rental Registration Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Clara city rules.
Short-Term Rentals in Santa Clara County →