Santa Barbara County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Max Bedrooms
- 3 per legal dwelling unit
- Max Occupants
- 2 per bedroom, up to 6 (excl. minor children)
- Eligible Structures
- Legal main residence, legal non-conforming, permitted Residential Second Unit
- Not Eligible
- ADUs, affordable/ag-employee units, guest houses, cabanas, tents, trailers, yurts
- Sleeping Rooms
- Only approved bedrooms; no other rooms
- Code Basis
- LUDC Sec. 35.42.193 (Lodging-Homestay)
Summary
A homestay in unincorporated Santa Barbara County may use up to three bedrooms of a legal dwelling, and occupancy is capped at two persons per bedroom (up to six total), not counting minor children. No rooms other than the approved bedrooms may be used for sleeping.
A homestay is allowed up to three bedrooms of each legal dwelling unit (residence) subject to County approval. No other rooms may be used for sleeping as part of the homestay. ... Two persons per bedroom (up to six), not including minor children, can occupy a homestay.
Full Breakdown
193, Lodging-Homestay). On bedrooms: 'A homestay is allowed up to three bedrooms of each legal dwelling unit (residence) subject to County approval. ' Only certain structures qualify - up to three bedrooms in a legal main residence, a legal non-conforming residence, or an existing permitted Residential Second Unit. The County expressly bars renting dwellings restricted by agreement, condition, or covenant (including affordable housing units, agricultural employee dwellings, and accessory dwelling units), structures permitted only for temporary occupancy (guest houses, cabanas), and spaces that cannot legally be used as dwellings (agricultural accessory structures, tents, trailers, vehicles, or yurts). These caps are a County requirement; California state law does not impose homestay occupancy limits, leaving them to local code.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the three-bedroom or two-per-bedroom limits, or using non-approved structures or rooms for sleeping, violates the homestay permit and County land-use standards and is subject to Planning & Development enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many guests can stay in a Santa Barbara County homestay?
Can I rent my ADU or guest house as a homestay?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Barbara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Barbara County to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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