Unincorporated Solano County requires a permit for any short-term rental (under 30 days). Vacation House Rentals (VHRs) need an Operating Permit, a business license, a Transient Occupancy Tax certificate, and proof of commercial insurance. The TOT rate is 5%. Maximum occupancy is 2 guests per bedroom plus 2, capped at 10 total (excluding children under 3). Rules are in Chapter 28.
Solano County Code Chapter 28 (Zoning Regulations) governs short-term lodging in unincorporated areas. Short-Term Rental or Transient Occupancy is defined as occupancy for 30 consecutive calendar days or less. Recognized types include agricultural homestays, bed and breakfast inns, hosted rentals, and Vacation House Rentals (VHRs). VHRs are dwellings offered for transient occupancy without a resident family present. Each operator must (1) apply for an Administrative Permit or Minor Use Permit (depending on type and location), (2) obtain a Solano County business license, (3) register for the 5% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) levied under Cal. Revenue & Taxation Code §7280, and (4) provide proof of commercial insurance. Maximum occupancy is two guests per bedroom plus two additional per property, up to ten guests total (children under three are not counted). Applications require a floor plan showing bedrooms, exits, and smoke/CO detectors; a site plan with parking; and a county-approved 'Good Neighbor Flyer.' Properties in High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must comply with Solano County Code §28.75.30(A)(7)(b) and provide proof of defensible space per Public Resources Code §4291.
Operating an unpermitted VHR or advertising one without a TOT certificate is a code violation enforced under Chapter 28. Penalties include administrative citations, fines, back-taxes, and permit denial. Violations of the Good Neighbor Flyer rules (noise, occupancy, parking) can be cause for permit revocation.
See how Solano County's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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