Contra Costa County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Overnight Cap
- 2 per bedroom + 2 additional (§ 88-32.602(d))
- Children Under 12
- Not counted toward overnight cap
- Gathering Cap
- 20 persons total at any time (§ 88-32.604(d))
- Hosted Rental Days
- Maximum 180 days/year
- Non-Hosted Rental Days
- Maximum 90 days/year
- STRs Per Lot
- One only (§ 88-32.602(a))
Summary
Overnight guest occupancy may not exceed two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons, with a hard cap of 20 total persons gathered at any time. Children under 12 do not count toward overnight limits.
88-32.602(d) The overnight guest occupancy of a short-term rental may not exceed two persons per bedroom, plus two additional persons. Children under the age of 12 are not counted towards the total number of guests. 88-32.604(d) No more than 20 persons, including children, may gather at a short-term rental at any time.
Full Breakdown
602(d), 'The overnight guest occupancy of a short-term rental may not exceed two persons per bedroom, plus two additional persons. 602(c) sets annual rental day caps: a non-hosted STR may not be rented for more than 90 days in a calendar year, a hosted STR may not be rented for more than 180 days in a calendar year, and the maximum total in any case is 180 days per calendar year. 602(b)). 602(e) require at least one off-street space for STRs with three or fewer bedrooms and at least two off-street spaces for STRs with four or more bedrooms. The maximum number of guest vehicles allowed equals the number of off-street parking spaces. 608).
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the per-bedroom occupancy or the 20-person gathering cap violates Section 88-32.604(d). Section 88-32.802 authorizes the County to use any remedy allowed by code, including permit revocation, administrative fines, and infraction citations, against permittees that exceed occupancy limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many guests can stay overnight at a Contra Costa County STR?
Can I host a party of more than 20 people at an STR?
What is the difference between a hosted and non-hosted STR day cap?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Contra Costa County
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