Santa Barbara, CA Short-Term Rentals: Permit Requirements (2026)

Under the City of Santa Barbara's Community Development Department, a short-term rental (STR), also called a vacation rental, meets the City's definition of 'Hotels and Similar Uses' if overnight accommodation is offered for 30 consecutive days or less outside the coastal zone (SBMC Title 30, Inland Zoning) or less than 30 consecutive days in the coastal zone (SBMC Title 28, Coastal Zoning). Converting a home to an STR is a change of use from residential to nonresidential use, so it is permitted only in zones where hotels may operate, provided all hotel standards (access, parking, setbacks) are met. Per the City's STR informational packet, STRs may be permitted in inland zones R-MH, C-R, C-G, and M-C, and in coastal zones R-4, C-L, C-P, C-1, C-2, C-M, HRC-1, HRC-2, HRC-2/OC, and M-1. A Conditional Use Permit is required in O-R, R-M, R-3, R-O, and O-C zones, and only on the same lot as a Structure of Merit or City Landmark. STRs in single-unit zones are strictly prohibited. Operators must obtain a Zoning Clearance for the change to nonresidential use; in the coastal zone (Overlay Zone S-D-3) a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) is also required. Converting more than one unit triggers a Hotel Conversion Permit under SBMC Chapter 30.155 / 28.88. The City does not recognize an 'occasional' STR — the conversion is permanent. This differs from California's statewide framework and from Santa Barbara County's own STR ordinance, which applies only to unincorporated areas.