Sonoma County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Extended Home Share (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Zoning permit under § 26-28-140
- Bedroom cap
- One guest bedroom maximum
- Vehicle limit
- One vehicle for the rental
- Quiet hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Permit expiration
- Ends at sale or owner move-out
Summary
Renting out a single bedroom while you live in the home is a 'hosted rental' under Sonoma County's zoning code: capped at one guest bedroom, it needs a zoning permit and follows strict noise and vehicle limits.
A residential structure with one (1) household or person in permanent residence with one (1) bedroom rented for transient lodging, where meals may be provided … Zoning permit required … Maximum one (1) guest bedroom … Limit of one (1) vehicle associated with the transient use … Quiet hours shall be from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. … Outdoor amplified sound is prohibited.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 64 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Sonoma County treats a single rented bedroom in an owner-occupied home as a 'hosted rental,' distinct from a whole-house vacation rental or a multi-room bed and breakfast inn. Only one bedroom may be rented, only one hosted rental is allowed per parcel, and the primary owner must remain in residence in the main home. A zoning permit is required. Operators must hold a current transient occupancy tax certificate, keep to one vehicle associated with the rental, observe quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., ban outdoor amplified sound and events like weddings, and maintain a functioning septic system. The permit expires upon sale, transfer, or when the owner no longer occupies the property.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding one guest bedroom, running a second hosted rental on the same parcel, hosting weddings or parties, allowing outdoor amplified sound, or letting the transient occupancy tax certificate lapse violates the § 26-88-118 standards and can void the zoning permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hosted rental the same as a vacation rental in Sonoma County?
How many bedrooms can I rent as a hosted rental?
What are the noise rules for a Sonoma County hosted rental?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sonoma County
California rules heatmap·Compare Sonoma County to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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