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

Del Norte County's only incorporated city is Crescent City; the County government regulates the unincorporated communities such as Smith River, Klamath, Gasquet, Hiouchi and Fort Dick that draw redwood-coast and Redwood National Park tourism. The County has not adopted a stand-alone short-term-rental or vacation-rental ordinance. In September 2022 the Board of Supervisors considered the issue - staff reported vacation rentals had grown from 131 to 196 over five years - and decided against developing dedicated vacation-rental regulations, leaving short-term rentals under the County's general framework. As a result there is no County 'STR permit' as such. Two layers apply. First, tax registration: any property rented for 30 days or fewer is subject to the County Transient Occupancy Tax (10%) under Del Norte County Code Chapter 3.08, and the operator must obtain a TOT registration certificate from the Tax Collector. The County states that a business license is not required at this time to operate a vacation rental in the unincorporated area. Second, land use: the County's Transient Occupancy Tax page directs operators to contact the Planning & Building Department at (707) 464-7254 to determine whether a use permit is required for their specific location, since zoning is set by Title 20 (Non-Coastal Zoning) and Title 21 (Coastal Zoning). Parcels in the California Coastal Zone may additionally require a coastal development permit through the County's Local Coastal Program. Operators should confirm the current requirements with County Planning before listing.