Night Caps: Sonora vs Twain Harte
How do night caps rules compare between Sonora, CA and Twain Harte, CA?
Twain Harte has fewer restrictions than Sonora.
Sonora, CA
Tuolumne County
Sonora Ordinance No. 898 (effective July 2024), codified at Chapter 17.64 of the Municipal Code, limits transient use rentals to the operator's primary residence and prohibits short-term rentals in accessory dwelling units. A separate Transient Use Permit is required and must be renewed annually, and the un-hosted rental of a primary residence is capped so that whole-home rentals cannot operate as full-time vacation rentals.
View full Sonora rules →Twain Harte, CA
Tuolumne County
Tuolumne County does not impose annual night caps or day-per-year limits on short-term rentals in unincorporated areas. Operators must hold a TOT Certificate and pass a Fire and Life Safety Inspection under Ordinance Code Chapter 8.70.
View full Twain Harte rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Sonora | Twain Harte |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Chapter 17.64 / Ord. 898 | Chapter 8.70 |
| Effective | July 2024 | - |
| Eligibility | Primary residence only | - |
| ADUs | Prohibited | - |
| Occupancy | 2 adults/bedroom + 1 | - |
| TOT | 12% | - |
| First Citation | Up to $500/day | - |
| Repeat Citation | Up to $1,000/day | - |
| Complaint Line | (209) 299-4442 | - |
| Night Cap | - | None — unlimited nights |
| TOT Required | - | Yes — 12% of rent |
| Inspection | - | Fire & Life Safety required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Sonora FAQ
Is there a night cap on short-term rentals in Sonora, CA?
Sonora's Chapter 17.64 (Ordinance 898, July 2024) does not impose a flat per-year nightly cap. Instead it limits Transient Use Permits to the operator's primary residence, prohibits ADUs as STRs, and caps occupancy at 2 adults per bedroom plus one additional person. Permits must be renewed annually, so the practical limit on un-hosted nights is set by the operator's actual use of the home as a primary residence.
Can I run an Airbnb in an ADU or rental house in Sonora?
No. Sonora Ordinance 898 (Chapter 17.64) restricts Transient Use Permits to primary residences only and explicitly prohibits accessory dwelling units from being used as short-term rentals. Citations start at up to $500 per day and rise to up to $1,000 per day for repeat violations within 12 months, and three citations in a 12-month period can lead to permit revocation. Complaints go to (209) 299-4442.
Twain Harte FAQ
Is there a limit on how many nights I can rent my STR in Tuolumne County?
No. Tuolumne County does not impose night caps. You can rent year-round if you have a valid TOT Certificate and Fire and Life Safety Inspection.
What permits do I need for an STR in Tuolumne County?
A Transient Occupancy Tax Certificate and a Fire and Life Safety Inspection (Chapter 8.70, $300 nonrefundable fee, renewed every two years).
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