Taxes & Fees: Rohnert Park vs Santa Rosa
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Rohnert Park, CA and Santa Rosa, CA?
Rohnert Park has fewer restrictions than Santa Rosa.
Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma County
Santa Rosa, CA
Sonoma County
Santa Rosa requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) at a rate set by city ordinance. All operators must register with the Finance Department.
View full Santa Rosa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Rohnert Park | Santa Rosa |
|---|---|---|
| TOT Rate (unincorporated) | 12% of gross rents | - |
| Code Authority | Sonoma County Code Ch. 12 | - |
| Filing Frequency | Quarterly to ACTTC | - |
| City of Sonoma Rate | 13% + 2% TID assessment | - |
| Santa Rosa Rate | 11% | - |
| Other Fees | Zoning Permit + Annual Monitoring + 1.3% tech surcharge | - |
| Tax Type | - | Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) |
| Applies To | - | Stays of 30 days or less |
| Registration | - | Required with Finance Department |
| Remittance | - | Regular schedule per city ordinance |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Rohnert Park FAQ
What is the TOT rate for vacation rentals in unincorporated Sonoma County?
12% of gross rents for any stay of 30 days or less, under Sonoma County Code Chapter 12. The operator collects from guests and remits quarterly to the Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector. A 30+ day stay is not transient and is not taxed.
Do I need a TOT certificate before listing my vacation rental?
Yes. Permit Sonoma's step-by-step guide requires registering for a TOT number with the ACTTC before the annual Article VIII vacation rental license can be issued. Operating without a TOT certificate is a Chapter 12 violation.
Is the City of Sonoma TOT the same as the county rate?
No. Incorporated cities set their own rates: City of Sonoma is 13% plus a 2% Tourism Improvement District assessment, and Santa Rosa is 11%. The 12% county rate applies only in unincorporated areas — verify your address before pricing.
Santa Rosa FAQ
Do I need to collect hotel tax for my Santa Rosa Airbnb?
Yes. Short-term rental operators must collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) for stays of 30 days or less. Check if your platform remits on your behalf.
How do I register for TOT in Santa Rosa?
Register with the Santa Rosa Finance Department. You will receive a TOT certificate and instructions for regular remittance.
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