Modesto, CA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)
Short-term rental permit rules in Modesto, CA, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Key Facts
- Permit Code Section
- MMC § 8-2.606
- Issuing Office
- Finance Dept. / Business Licensing Division
- Office Address
- 1010 10th St., Suite 2100, Modesto
- Phone
- 209-577-5389
- Business License Deposit
- $100
- Display Requirement
- Posted conspicuously on premises
Summary
Every operator of a vacation rental or short-term rental in Modesto must register with the Tax Administrator and obtain a Transient Occupancy Registration Permit before renting to transients. The permit must remain in effect at all times the unit is operated and must be posted on the premises.
Every person desiring to engage in or conduct business as operator of any hotel renting occupancy to transients shall register said hotel with the Tax Administrator and obtain from the Tax Administrator a 'Transient Occupancy Registration Permit' to be at all times posted in a conspicuous place on the premises.
Full Breakdown
Modesto Municipal Code section 8-2.606 requires every person operating a hotel, vacation rental, or short-term rental (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.) renting to transients to register with the Tax Administrator and obtain a Transient Occupancy Registration Permit, which must remain in effect at all times the rental is operating and be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises. The City's online application (administered by the Business Licensing Division at 1010 10th Street, Suite 2100) requires operator and property information, a declaration under penalty of perjury, and is filed with the City Finance Department. Applicants select 'Vacation Rental/Short-Term Rental (Airbnb, Vrbo) - Residential Location' as their certificate type. A separate Business License application and $100 deposit are also required for new operators.
Violations & Fines
Operating a short-term rental without a current Transient Occupancy Registration Permit subjects the operator to back taxes, penalties, interest, civil action by the City to collect unpaid TOT, and citations from Code Enforcement. The City has contracted with a third-party service to identify unpermitted listings, and unpermitted operation can result in fines and revocation of any later-issued permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to list my Modesto home on Airbnb or Vrbo?
Where do I apply?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Modesto
How Modesto compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·California rules heatmap·Compare Modesto to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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