Sonora Night Caps Rules (2026): What You Need to Know
Some RestrictionsKey Facts
- Annual Night Cap
- Not specified in city code
- Primary Residence Requirement
- Yes — must be owner's primary home
- Maximum Rental Period Per Booking
- Not specified (state law defines STR as under 30 days)
- Minimum Stay
- Not specified by city ordinance
- Investment Properties
- Not eligible for STR permit
- Permit Renewal
- Annual — permits must be renewed each year
The Short Version
The City of Sonora does not impose a maximum number of nights per year that a short-term rental may be rented out, but it does restrict STRs to owner-occupied primary residences only. Because only one property per owner qualifies, total rental nights are effectively limited by the owner's occupancy. Tuolumne County applies its own night-cap and use-frequency rules to unincorporated county STRs, but those do not apply within Sonora city limits.
Full Breakdown
Sonora's short-term rental framework under Municipal Code Chapter 17.64 focuses on the owner-occupancy requirement rather than imposing a specific cap on the number of rental nights per year. Because a Transient Use Permit may only be issued for the operator's primary residence, a single owner cannot hold multiple STR permits and cannot rent their home while residing elsewhere for extended periods without jeopardizing their primary residence qualification.
California law and Sonora's ordinance define a short-term rental as a residential dwelling rented for periods of fewer than 30 consecutive days. Stays of 30 days or longer fall under standard landlord-tenant law and are not regulated as STRs. There is no city-mandated minimum stay, though operators set their own minimum-night requirements through booking platforms.
Operators should be aware that the annual permit renewal process functions as an indirect check — the city may decline renewal if complaints have been received or if the property has ceased to qualify as the operator's primary residence. A 24/7 complaint hotline at (209) 299-4442 allows neighbors to report violations at any time.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Operating an STR at a non-primary-residence property, or renting beyond the scope of the Transient Use Permit, may result in permit revocation and citations under the Sonora Municipal Code. Failure to collect and remit the 12% Transient Occupancy Tax on all rental nights is also subject to penalties and back-tax collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a limit on how many nights per year I can rent my home on Airbnb in Sonora?
What counts as a short-term rental under Sonora's rules?
Sources & Official References
Related Ordinances in Sonora
Permit Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsShort-Term Rentals · Sonora, CA
Sonora requires a Transient Use Permit for all short-term rentals, limited to primary residences only. Operators must also obtain a business license, pass a ...
Registration Rules
Heavy RestrictionsShort-Term Rentals · Sonora, CA
Short-term rental operators in Sonora must maintain a valid Transient Use Permit, business license, fire inspection certification, and proof of solid waste s...
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See how Sonora's night caps rules stack up against other locations.