Short-Term Rentals in Colusa County, CA (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Colusa County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Short-Term Rental Permits
Unincorporated Colusa County has no ordinance labeled 'short-term rental.' Instead, guest lodging under 30 days runs through the Zoning Code's recreational lodging facility rules at Section 44-4.100, covering farmstays, bed and breakfasts, and outdoor recreation lodging in non-commercial zones. Hosts need Environmental Health sign-off, and any proposal that exceeds the section's general standards triggers a discretionary Use Permit before opening.
Colusa County Short-Term Lodging Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsColusa County Zoning Code §§ 44-4.100, 44-4.100.010(G)
44-4.100 Recreational Lodging Facilities. ... This section applies to recreational lodging facilities in zones other than commercial zones, where allowed in compliance with Article 44-2 (Zoning Classifications, Allowed Uses, and Development Standards). This section applies to agricultural visitor lodging, duck clubs, hunting and fishing clubs, and outdoor recreation lodging facilities. This sec...
Taxes & Fees
Every recreational lodging operator in unincorporated Colusa County, from farmstays to bed and breakfasts, is subject to the county's Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax under Chapter 18A and the business licensing requirement in Chapter 10. Section 44-4.100.010(E) requires the business license to be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises before the operation begins taking guests.
Colusa County Short-Term Lodging Tax Rules
Some RestrictionsColusa County Zoning Code § 44-4.100.010(E)
E. The operation of a lodging facility shall be subject to Chapter 18A (Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax) and Chapter 10 (Licenses) of the County Code. The business license shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises prior to operation of the business.
Occupancy Limits
Unincorporated Colusa County caps recreational lodging by guestroom count, not headcount. A lodging facility with five or fewer guestrooms is treated as a single-unit residential dwelling under Section 44-4.100.010(D); six or more triggers full building-code review. Farmstays add their own hard cap: four guest rooms and eight guests at any one time under Section 44-4.100.020(B).
Colusa County Guest Lodging Occupancy Limits
Some RestrictionsColusa County Zoning Code §§ 44-4.100.010(D), 44-4.100.020(B)
D. A lodging facility consisting of five or fewer guestrooms shall be considered a single-unit residential dwelling or lodging house for the purpose of building codes, unless additional standards are required by said codes, as amended from time to time and adopted by the County. Six or more guestrooms within one structure shall be subject to further requirements under the building code. ... 44-...
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