San Ramon vs Walnut Creek

Short-term rentals in San Ramon are heavily restricted. The City does not have a permissive STR ordinance, and most residentially-zoned properties are not authorized to operate rentals under 30 days. Operators must check current zoning code and TOT registration requirements with the Finance Department, and HOA CC&Rs in master-planned communities frequently ban STRs outright.

Walnut Creek requires all short-term rental operators (rentals under 30 consecutive days) to obtain a city Business License and register for Transient Occupancy Tax collection. STRs are only permitted in zones that allow lodging uses, and hosted vs. unhosted rentals are treated differently. Unpermitted listings are subject to code enforcement and retroactive tax assessment.