Santa Barbara County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Santa Barbara County sets specific occupancy limits for homestays in its Homestays FAQ, drawn from LUDC standards (Section 35.42.193, Lodging-Homestay). On bedrooms: '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.' On people: 'Two persons per bedroom (up to six), not including minor children, can occupy a homestay.' 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.