Taxes & Fees: Petaluma vs Sonoma
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Petaluma, CA and Sonoma, CA?
Petaluma and Sonoma have similar restriction levels.
Petaluma, CA
Sonoma County
Petaluma Code Ch. 4.24 levies a Transient Occupancy Tax at 10% on accommodations rented for fewer than 30 days within City limits.
View full Petaluma rules →Sonoma, CA
Sonoma County
Vacation rental operators inside Sonoma city limits collect a 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Sonoma Municipal Code Ch. 3.16) plus a 2% Sonoma Valley Tourism Improvement District assessment, for a combined 15% added to every stay of 30 days or less.
View full Sonoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Petaluma | Sonoma |
|---|---|---|
| Rate | 10% | - |
| Due Date | 15th of following month | - |
| Code | Petaluma Code Ch. 4.24 | - |
| City TOT rate | - | 13% |
| Sonoma Valley TID assessment | - | 2% (additional) |
| Combined lodging tax | - | 15% |
| STR definition | - | Stays of 30 consecutive days or fewer |
| TOT Certificate | - | Required; must be posted on premises |
| Filing portal | - | sonoma.hdlgov.com |
| Delinquency penalty | - | 10% + interest (25% if fraudulent) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Petaluma FAQ
Does Airbnb collect TOT for me?
Airbnb collects and remits TOT for Petaluma listings, but operators must still register and file.
Sonoma FAQ
Does Airbnb collect Sonoma's 13% TOT for me?
Airbnb has a collection agreement with the City of Sonoma for TOT and TID, but operators remain legally responsible for ensuring all taxes are remitted and for filing returns through the City's portal. Verify your listing platform's status on each booking — owner-direct bookings are NOT covered by any platform agreement.
Do I owe TOT on a 31-day stay?
No. SMC 3.16 defines a 'transient' as anyone occupying a unit for 30 consecutive days or fewer; the 31st day breaks the transient designation. A written agreement at booking establishing a longer occupancy can also exempt the stay.
Can I start a new vacation rental in Sonoma and just pay the TOT?
No. The City has prohibited new vacation-rental permits since December 4, 2017. Only legally permitted (grandfathered) units may operate; collecting TOT without a valid permit will not cure the underlying zoning violation.
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