Short-term rental permit rules in Petaluma, CA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Petaluma IZO §7.110 requires a Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit issued by the Planning Director (or designee) for any STR. STRs are allowed only in residential, planned unit development, and mixed use zoning districts.
All STRs require a valid Business License under Ch. 6.01 and must comply with the City's Transient Occupancy Tax (Ch. 4.24, 10% rate). For non-hosted rentals, the dwelling may be rented for no more than 90 days per calendar year. A local manager located within 45 miles of the City must be available 24/7 and able to respond to complaints within one hour. Permit numbers must appear on all advertising/listings.
Operating without a permit is a misdemeanor and a public nuisance; permits may be suspended or revoked for repeated violations, and back TOT plus penalties is collected.
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