Sonoma County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Overnight formula
- 2 per sleeping room + 2 per property
- Overnight maximum
- 12 persons (under-3s excluded)
- Daytime maximum
- Overnight + 6, or 18, whichever is less
- Max guestrooms
- 5 (more needs a use permit)
- Septic-limited homes
- Capped at septic design load
- Holiday exception
- 7 named national holidays only
Summary
Sec. 26-88-120(e) caps overnight occupancy at two persons per sleeping room plus two more per property, to a maximum of 12 (children under three excluded). Total daytime guests and visitors may not exceed overnight occupancy plus six, or 18, whichever is less. Rentals may have no more than five guestrooms.
(e) Permit Requirements. 2. Maximum Overnight Occupancy. Maximum overnight occupancy for vacation rentals shall be up to a maximum of two (2) persons per sleeping room or guestroom, plus two (2) additional persons per property, up to a maximum of twelve (12) persons, excluding children under three (3) years of age. Vacation rentals with larger overnight occupancies may only be allowed subject to the granting of a use permit. For homes on a conditional or non-standard septic system, the maximum overnight occupancy shall be equal to the design load of the septic system. 3. Maximum Number of Guests and Daytime Visitors. The maximum number of total guests and visitors allowed at any time in a single vacation rental shall not exceed the maximum overnight occupancy plus six (6) additional persons per property during the daytime, or eighteen (18) persons, whichever is less, excluding children under three (3) years of age. Daytime visitors shall not be on the property during quiet hours. Notwithstanding, maximum guest limits may be exceeded on the following national holidays: Easter, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas, so long as the holiday event does not otherwise trigger the requirement for a special or cultural events permit.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Sonoma County sets explicit occupancy formulas. Under Sec. 26-88-120(e)(1), a vacation rental may have a maximum of five guestrooms or sleeping rooms; more than five is allowed only with a use permit, adequate sewage capacity, and demonstrated neighborhood compatibility. Sec. 26-88-120(e)(2) sets maximum overnight occupancy at two persons per sleeping room plus two additional persons per property, up to a maximum of 12 persons, excluding children under three. For homes on a conditional, non-standard, or capacity-limited septic system, overnight occupancy is capped at the septic system's design load.
Sec. 26-88-120(e)(3) limits the total number of guests and daytime visitors at any time to the maximum overnight occupancy plus six additional daytime persons, or 18 persons, whichever is less (children under three excluded); daytime visitors may not be on the property during quiet hours. Guest limits may be exceeded only on the national holidays of Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas, provided the event does not trigger a special or cultural events permit. The owner must clearly state the maximum overnight guest number in all contracts and listings.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the maximum permitted occupancy (children under three excluded), or conducting an event, party, or wedding that exceeds allowable occupancy, are enumerated infractions under Sec. 26-88-120(g)(3) and may be cited administratively under Section 1-7.6. Repeated occupancy violations can contribute to the three-strikes revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many overnight guests can a Sonoma County vacation rental hold?
Can I have more daytime visitors than overnight guests?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sonoma County
California rules heatmap·Compare Sonoma County to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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