Sonoma County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Permit Requirements (2026)

Under Sonoma County Zoning Code Sec. 26-88-120(c), a vacation rental (the rental of a whole private residence for 30 days or less) is allowed in the underlying zone only when it obtains a zoning permit from Permit Sonoma. Rentals meeting every standard in the section receive a zoning permit; rentals that exceed the standards (for example, more than five guestrooms, larger occupancy, or multiple structures) may only be approved through a discretionary use permit. Per Sec. 26-88-120(d), zoning permits run with the landowner and automatically expire upon sale or transfer of the property, while use permits run with the land but may be issued for a limited term and may be revoked for non-compliance under Article 92. Sec. 26-88-120(b) bars vacation rentals in non-habitable structures, second dwelling units, affordable or farmworker housing, on Williamson Act lands, and on parcels in the AH or X (Exclusion) Combining Zones. Permit Sonoma describes a four-step process: become a certified property manager, obtain the transient vacation rental (zoning) permit, get a Transient Occupancy Tax number, and obtain a vacation rental license under County Code Chapter 4, Article VIII. The application package includes a Planning Application (PJR-001), an Indemnification Agreement (PJR-011), a Vacation Rentals Application (PJR-096), and a site plan.