Fresno, CA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

Registration to operate an STR in Fresno has two City filings. First, the operator obtains the Short Term Rental Permit: after securing an approved zone clearance, the operator completes the Short Term Rental Permit Application and the Short Term Rental Supplemental Application and emails them with the zone clearance to the City's Business Tax Division. ' Second, because the STR permit holder 'is responsible for collecting and paying Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) to the City of Fresno,' the operator must obtain a Transient Occupancy Tax Certificate; the City provides 'Apply for a Transient Occupancy Tax Certificate' forms (English and Spanish) and a TOT Renewal process.

' Notably, the STR permit holder 'is not required to pay business tax on the revenue earned,' so the registration burden is the STR permit plus the TOT certificate rather than a standard business tax certificate. The City notes that an owner who 'rents space for less than 31 days in a year' is 'not liable to pay TOT,' but the STR permit itself is still required before advertising.