Contra Costa County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Parking Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Off-street spaces
- Typically 2 for single-family
- Street parking limit
- 72 hours continuous (CVC 22651k)
- Front yard parking
- Not allowed on unpaved areas
- Sidewalk parking
- Prohibited (CVC 22500f)
- Nuisance enforcement
- Chronic issues may trigger abatement
Summary
STR parking in unincorporated Contra Costa County must comply with the residential zone's parking standards, typically 2 off-street spaces for a single-family home. On-street parking follows the California Vehicle Code 72-hour rule and any local no-parking designations.
A peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, or a regularly employed and salaried employee who is engaged in directing traffic or enforcing parking laws and regulations of a city, county, or jurisdiction of a state agency in which a vehicle is located may remove a vehicle located within the territorial limits in which the officer or employee may act, under the following circumstances:
(a) If a vehicle is left unattended upon a bridge, viaduct, or causeway or in a tube or tunnel where the vehicle constitutes an obstruction to traffic.
(b) If a vehicle is parked or left standing upon a highway in a position so as to obstruct the normal movement of traffic or in a condition so as to create a hazard to other traffic upon the highway.
(c) If a vehicle is found upon a highway or public land and a report has previously been made that the vehicle is stolen or a complaint has been filed and a warrant thereon is issued charging that the vehicle was embezzled.
(d) If a vehicle is illegally parked so as to block the entrance to a private driveway, and it is impractical to move the vehicle from in front of the driveway to another point on the highway.
(k) If a vehicle is parked or left standing upon a highway for 72 or more consecutive hours in violation of a local ordinance authorizing removal.
Full Breakdown
Contra Costa County does not have a dedicated STR parking ordinance, so STR operators must meet the residential parking standards in the county Zoning Ordinance. Single-family dwellings in residential zones generally require a minimum of 2 off-street parking spaces (driveway or garage), which must be accessible and not blocked for use by residents or guests. Guest vehicles may park on the street where legal, subject to California Vehicle Code 22651(k), which prohibits parking a vehicle continuously on a public street for more than 72 hours without movement.
Rural roads, narrow residential streets, and areas with posted no-parking or permit-only signs (limited to certain neighborhoods) impose additional restrictions. Parking on sidewalks, blocking fire hydrants, or parking on unpaved areas in front yards generally violates the zoning code. STR operators are expected to inform guests of parking expectations, provide on-site parking, and avoid overcrowding that leads to neighbor complaints. Persistent parking violations tied to an STR can be a basis for nuisance abatement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my STR guests park on the street overnight?
How many guest cars can an STR accommodate?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Contra Costa County
California rules heatmap·Compare Contra Costa County to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.