Modesto allows short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO) in residential zones but caps rentals at 120 days per year. Occupancy is limited to 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests maximum. A Transient Occupancy Registration Permit is required at all times.
Under MMC Title 8, Chapter 2, Article 6 (§ 8-2.606) and Title 10 zoning provisions, STR operators must obtain a Transient Occupancy Registration Permit from the Finance Department, renewed annually. Maximum occupancy is 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Rentals are capped at 120 days per calendar year. Hosts must provide a 24/7 local contact, carry $500,000+ liability insurance, and maintain working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. No exterior signage advertising the STR is permitted. Hosts must collect and remit a 9% Transient Occupancy Tax on all stays of 30 days or less. The city uses third-party contractors to identify unpermitted rentals.
Operating without a permit: ~$500 fine. Exceeding the 120-day annual cap: $250+ fine and possible permit suspension of up to 60 days.
Modesto, CA
Modesto's noise ordinance (MMC Title 4, Ch. 9) bans 'loud and raucous noise' citywide, including from industrial operations. Certain continuous industrial ac...
Modesto, CA
Modesto enforces a 72-hour street-parking limit citywide under MMC Title 3, Chapter 2, Article 10. Designated residential areas also operate Residential Park...
Modesto, CA
Modesto Municipal Code Title 5, Chapter 4 permits backyard hens in R-1 residential zones. Up to 12 hens are allowed; roosters are prohibited. Coop placement ...
Modesto, CA
Modesto has one of the lowest pet limits in California, allowing a maximum of two dogs or cats per household under MMC Title 5, Chapter 4. Animal hoarding is...
Modesto, CA
Modesto sits on the Central Valley floor outside CAL FIRE's State Responsibility Area and is not mapped as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, so the wild...
Modesto, CA
Modesto does not regulate year-round residential lawn ornaments (statues, gnomes, flamingos, religious figures, sports themes) by size, quantity, or content....
See how Modesto's occupancy limits rules stack up against other locations.
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