Occupancy Limits: Lompoc vs Santa Maria
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Lompoc, CA and Santa Maria, CA?
Lompoc, CA
Santa Barbara County
No data available yet for Lompoc.
Santa Maria, CA
Santa Barbara County
The Santa Maria Municipal Code does not set a numeric occupancy cap specifically for short-term rentals. The city imposes a Transient Occupancy Tax under its TOT chapter on stays of 30 days or fewer, but no STR-specific code section establishes maximum overnight guests, daytime visitors, or persons-per-bedroom limits. Building Code occupant load and zoning standards provide the only effective ceilings.
View full Santa Maria rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lompoc | Santa Maria |
|---|---|---|
| STR-Specific Cap | - | None in Municipal Code |
| TOT Threshold | - | 30 days or fewer |
| Business License | - | Required citywide |
| Effective Limit | - | CA Building Code occupant load |
| County Rule Applies? | - | No (unincorporated only) |
| Confirm With | - | Santa Maria Planning Division |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lompoc FAQ
No FAQs available.
Santa Maria FAQ
Does Santa Maria limit how many guests can stay in a short-term rental?
The city's code does not set an STR-specific overnight or total guest cap. California Building Code occupant load, life-safety requirements, and any HOA rules provide the practical ceiling.
Does the Santa Barbara County two-per-bedroom-plus-two rule apply inside Santa Maria?
No. The county STR ordinance governs unincorporated areas, not the City of Santa Maria. Confirm city-specific requirements with the Santa Maria Planning Division.
Do I still owe Transient Occupancy Tax if there's no occupancy cap?
Yes. Santa Maria's TOT applies to occupancies of 30 days or fewer regardless of guest count, and operators must register and collect the tax.
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