Taxes & Fees: Rohnert Park vs Sonoma
How do taxes & fees 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
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 | Rohnert Park | Sonoma |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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.
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.
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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