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Petaluma, CA Short-Term Rentals: Host Presence Rule (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Hosted rental
Permittee occupies property with guests
Non-hosted rental
Permittee does not occupy property
Hosted response time
Complaints answered within 1 hour
Non-hosted manager location
Within 45 miles of City
Permit issuer
Planning Director or designee
Business license
Required under PMC Ch. 6.01

Summary

Petaluma's zoning ordinance splits short-term vacation rentals into two tracks: hosted, where the permittee lives on site with guests, and non-hosted, where the owner is absent. Each track carries its own occupancy, manager and permit conditions under IZO Section 7.110.

D. Requirements Applicable to Hosted Short-Term Vacation Rentals. A Short-Term Vacation Rental in which the permittee occupies the property with the guests and is subject to the following requirements: ... ... E. Permit Requirements Applicable to Non-Hosted Short-Term Rentals. A Short-Term Vacation Rental in which the permittee does not occupy the property with the guests and is subject to the following requirements:

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2931 NCS, passed July 6, 2026).

Full Breakdown

" A non-hosted rental may furnish the entire dwelling to one party, but it is capped at 90 days per calendar year and must have a manager located within 45 miles of the City who can respond to complaints within an hour. 01, and compliance with the City's transient occupancy tax. Neighbors within 100 feet of an approved permit get written notice. Every listing advertisement must display the City permit number, and advertising an unpermitted unit is itself a code violation. 030(K). This provision is current through Ordinance 2907, adopted September 8, 2025.

Violations & Fines

Operating a hosted rental as if it were non-hosted (or the reverse) to dodge the applicable occupancy or day-count limits, or advertising without the City permit number displayed, violates Section 7.110(C)(5). The Planning Director may pursue permit revocation under Section 7.110(J) after three or more verified violations, and the City may seek any remedy available under Chapter 26 (Enforcement) or Petaluma Municipal Code Title 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a Petaluma short-term rental "hosted"?
It is hosted if the permittee occupies the property with the guests, per IZO Section 7.110(D). That track allows renting up to two furnished bedrooms, or the entire unit if it is an accessory dwelling rented to one party, and requires the host to answer complaints within an hour.
Can I rent my whole Petaluma house while I'm away?
Yes, as a Non-Hosted Short-Term Rental under Section 7.110(E), but the entire dwelling can only be rented for up to 90 days per calendar year and you must designate a manager within 45 miles who can respond to complaints within an hour.
Do both hosted and non-hosted rentals need a City permit?
Yes. Section 7.110(B) requires a valid Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit from the Planning Director for either track, plus a business license under Municipal Code Chapter 6.01 and payment of the transient occupancy tax.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Petaluma

Landscaping Rules: Water RestrictionsSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rental PermitsSignificant RestrictionsExtended Home ShareSignificant RestrictionsTaxes & FeesSome RestrictionsOccupancy LimitsSome RestrictionsNight CapsSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rental Parking RulesSome RestrictionsRepeat Violator StrikesSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingFew RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree TrimmingSome Restrictions

All Petaluma rules

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