Short-term rental permit rules in Monterey County, CA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Operating a short-term/vacation rental in unincorporated Monterey County requires a Vacation Rental Operation License (VROL) under MCC Chapter 7.120, plus a County business license under MCC Section 7.02.060. Inland rules took effect October 14, 2024; coastal rules effective October 24, 2025.
Effective October 14, 2024, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors (Ordinance 24-027) added Chapter 7.120 to the County Code requiring a Vacation Rental Operation License for any short-term rental (rental of a single-family dwelling for 30 days or fewer) in unincorporated inland Monterey County. A separate County Business License under MCC § 7.02.060 is also required. In the inland zoning code, vacation rentals are now governed by Section 21.64.290 (replacing prior § 21.64.280); in the coastal zone Section 20.64.290 takes effect October 24, 2025. Commercial vacation rentals are prohibited in Big Sur, Carmel Highlands, and residential areas of Carmel Valley and Moss Landing. The VROL is a ministerial annual license; long-term or larger commercial operations also require an Inland Use Permit or Coastal Development Permit (valid up to 7 years). Existing unpermitted operators had until April 14, 2025 to apply or cease operation.
Operating without a VROL is grounds for license denial, daily administrative fines, and a recorded notice of violation against the property. The County may also direct hosting platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo) to delist non-compliant listings.
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