Visalia, CA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)
Short-term rental permit rules in Visalia, CA, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Key Facts
- Code section
- VMC 17.32.166
- Effective date
- December 6, 2023
- Allowed in
- Primary dwelling only; habitable interior
- Prohibited as STR
- Garages, ADUs, tents, RVs, campers, accessory structures
- Cap per parcel
- 1 STR per parcel in residential zones
- Application location
- City Hall West, 707 W. Acequia Ave.
- Processing time
- 10-15 days (7-10 in Planning)
Summary
Since December 6, 2023, every short-term rental in Visalia must hold a city-issued STR permit, a Business Tax Certificate, and operate only in the habitable interior of a primary dwelling. Garages, ADUs, RVs, tents and other accessory structures are prohibited as STRs.
A. Short-term rental permits may be processed as an administrative matter by the city planner and no hearing shall be required. B. In addition to all other requirements of this chapter, and notwithstanding any contrary provisions in this Code, short-term rentals are subject to the following operational standards in all R-1 and R-M zones citywide: ... 8. Only the habitable interior portions of a primary dwelling shall be utilized as a short-term rental. Garages, tents, camper trailers, recreational vehicles, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), or other exterior structures or spaces are not permissible as short-term rentals or as bedrooms within short term rental units. ... 20. Short-term rentals shall not exceed one unit per parcel in any residentially zoned district.
Full Breakdown
Ordinance No. 2023-11 added Visalia Municipal Code Section 17.32.166, which regulates STRs citywide in R-1 and R-M zones. Permits are processed administratively by the City Planner without a public hearing. Only one STR is permitted per parcel in any residentially zoned district, and a separate application must be filed for each parcel. Applications are submitted in person or by mail to the Business Tax window at City Hall West, 707 W. Acequia Avenue, and require notarized signatures. An accompanying Business Tax Application is required unless the owner already holds a valid Business Tax Certificate for the STR. Owners must also designate themselves or a local contact person available 24/7 to respond to complaints within 45 minutes.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a permit triggers escalating administrative fines under the STR FAQ: $100 first violation, $200 second violation, and $500 per day for each additional violation until brought into compliance. Permits are revoked by the City Planner upon any violation not corrected within 10 days of notice, or after three violations in a one-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent out my ADU or guesthouse as an STR in Visalia?
Where do I apply for the STR permit?
Does Visalia hold a public hearing on my STR application?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Visalia
How Visalia compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·California rules heatmap·Compare Visalia to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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