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Visalia, CA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified June 2026

Key Facts

Studio / 1 BR
3 occupants
2 BR
5 occupants
3 BR
7 occupants
4 BR
9 occupants
5 BR
11 occupants
6 BR
13 occupants
Formula
2 per bedroom + 1
Events prohibited
Weddings, parties, conferences, commercial functions

Summary

Visalia caps overnight STR occupancy at two persons per bedroom plus one. A studio is limited to 3 guests; a 4-bedroom STR to 9; a 6-bedroom STR to 13. Weddings, parties, receptions and other assemblies separate from lodging are prohibited.

7. The owner shall limit occupancy of a short-term rental property to a specific number of occupants. The following table sets forth the maximum number of occupants to two (2) per bedroom plus one (1): Number of Bedrooms / Total Occupants: Studio-1 / 3; 2 / 5; 3 / 7; 4 / 9; 5 / 11; 6 / 13. ... 5. Short-term rentals shall be used only for overnight lodging accommodations. At no time shall a short-term rental be used for activities in excess of the occupancy limits established in subsection 7 of this section, or for weddings, receptions, parties, commercial functions, advertised conferences, or other similar assemblies that are separate from the purpose of lodging.

Source: American Legal PublishingView official code

Full Breakdown

Section 17.32.166(B)(7) sets a hard occupancy table tied to bedroom count: studio-1 BR = 3 occupants; 2 BR = 5; 3 BR = 7; 4 BR = 9; 5 BR = 11; 6 BR = 13. Subsection (B)(5) restricts STRs to overnight lodging only, expressly forbidding weddings, receptions, parties, commercial functions, advertised conferences and similar assemblies separate from the purpose of lodging. Owners must advertise the maximum allowed occupancy in any listing and post a sign inside the STR advising occupants of all operational rules. Garages, ADUs, tents and exterior structures cannot be counted as bedrooms toward the occupancy table.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the occupancy table or hosting prohibited assemblies is a violation enforced through the standard penalty schedule ($100/$200/$500 per day) and is grounds for permit revocation under VMC 17.32.166(C) if uncorrected within 10 days or after three violations in 12 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can stay overnight in a 3-bedroom Visalia STR?
Seven. Section 17.32.166(B)(7) sets the cap at two per bedroom plus one, so a 3-bedroom unit is limited to 7 total occupants.
Can I host a small wedding at my Visalia short-term rental?
No. VMC 17.32.166(B)(5) prohibits weddings, receptions, parties, commercial functions and advertised conferences. STRs may be used only for overnight lodging.
Can I list a den or living room as an extra bedroom to raise the cap?
No. Only habitable interior bedrooms of the primary dwelling count. Garages, tents, RVs, ADUs and other exterior spaces cannot be counted as bedrooms under VMC 17.32.166(B)(8).

Sources & Official References

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