Short-term rental permit rules in Sonora, CA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Sonora requires a transient use permit and business license for all short-term rentals operating for less than 30 days. New STR permits must be for the owner's primary residence. Permits must be renewed annually and operators must collect and remit the 12% transient occupancy tax.
Sonora requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a transient use permit and annual business license before renting a dwelling for less than 30 days. New short-term rentals must be the owner's primary residence, though existing permit holders for secondary homes are grandfathered. A separate transient use permit is required for each parcel. Operators must designate a local contact person available 24 hours a day by telephone and able to arrive within 30 minutes. Properties must undergo fire safety inspections similar to hotels. Garbage collection through Cal-Waste Recovery Systems is mandatory. On-site parking must be provided for guests. The 12% transient occupancy tax must be collected and remitted to the city. Permits must be renewed annually with proof of compliance.
Unpermitted short-term rentals face fines up to $500 per day for first offense and $1,000 per day for subsequent violations. Failure to remit TOT may result in penalties plus back taxes owed.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Tuolumne County.
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