Occupancy Limits: Rohnert Park vs Sonoma
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Rohnert Park, CA and Sonoma, CA?
Rohnert Park has fewer restrictions than Sonoma.
Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma County
Sonoma, CA
Sonoma County
Sonoma's 2017 vacation-rental ordinance limits overnight occupancy to a maximum of two persons per sleeping room plus two additional persons per unit, with no exceptions for children.
View full Sonoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Rohnert Park | Sonoma |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | § 26-88-120 | - |
| Overnight Formula | 2 per bedroom + 2 per property | - |
| Overnight Cap | 12 persons | - |
| Daytime Cap | Overnight + 6, or 18 (whichever is less) | - |
| Exempt | Children under 3 years old | - |
| Per-bedroom limit | - | 2 persons |
| Per-unit bonus | - | +2 persons |
| 2-bedroom max | - | 6 overnight |
| 3-bedroom max | - | 8 overnight |
| 4-bedroom max | - | 10 overnight |
| Code section | - | SMC §19.50.140 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Rohnert Park FAQ
How many overnight guests can stay at a Sonoma County vacation rental?
Section 26-88-120 allows two persons per sleeping room plus two additional persons per property, capped at twelve persons overnight total. Children under three are not counted.
Can I host a larger daytime gathering than my overnight limit?
Yes, but only up to your overnight limit plus six additional persons, or eighteen persons total, whichever is less. This is a hard daytime cap regardless of bedroom count.
Sonoma FAQ
Do children count toward Sonoma's occupancy cap?
Yes. Unlike some California cities, Sonoma's 2-per-bedroom-plus-2 standard makes no exception for infants or children — every overnight guest counts.
Can I host a wedding or party larger than the overnight cap?
The cap is on overnight occupancy, but the ordinance also bans outdoor amplified sound, requires a property-manager contact, and the use permit may impose event restrictions. Large parties typically violate the noise or use-permit conditions even if they end before midnight.
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