Short-Term Rentals in Humboldt County, CA (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Humboldt County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Short-Term Rental Permits
Unincorporated Humboldt County requires a Short-Term Rental Permit (Administrative Permit) before operating any whole-unit or home-share rental of 30 days or fewer, with capped totals and Good Neighbor Guide affidavit.
Short-Term Rental Permit Required (HCC 314-60.05)
Some RestrictionsHumboldt County Code Section 314-60.05 (Inland Short-Term Rentals)
A complete Short-Term Rental Permit application must include a current grant deed for the subject parcel, a Good Neighbor Guide, and an affidavit confirming delivery of the Good Neighbor Guide to all neighbors in the closest ten dwellings and within three hundred feet up and down the street. The Good Neighbor Guide must include the name and telephone number for a caretaker who responds to all q...
Taxes & Fees
Every Humboldt County STR operator must collect a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax on rent from stays of 30 days or fewer, register for a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate within 30 days, and remit tax quarterly.
12% Transient Occupancy Tax (HCC Ch. 712)
Some RestrictionsHumboldt County Code Sections 712-3 and 712-6
For the privilege of occupancy in any living space, each transient is subject to and shall pay a tax in the amount of twelve percent (12%) of the rent charged by the operator. Each operator of any living space renting occupancy to transients shall register with the Tax Administrator within thirty (30) days after the effective date of this chapter or within thirty (30) days after commencing busi...
Occupancy Limits
Maximum overnight occupancy is two persons per bedroom plus one (children under 12 excluded), and total STRs cannot exceed 2% of housing stock in the Greater Humboldt Bay Area (5% in other Community Plan Areas).
Two-Per-Bedroom-Plus-One Occupancy & 2% Housing Cap
Some RestrictionsHumboldt County Code Section 314-60.05 subsections 9.1 and 10
Overnight occupancy shall not exceed two (2) per bedroom plus one (1), excluding children under twelve (12). Not more than two percent (2%) of the overall housing stock may be permitted as short-term rentals in the Greater Humboldt Bay Area Short-Term Rental Cap Area, which comprises the following Community Plan Areas: Trinidad-Westhaven, McKinleyville, Fieldbrook-Glendale, Blue Lake, Arcata, J...
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