Colusa County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Registration Rules (2026)

Colusa County does not run a dedicated short-term-rental registry. Instead, registration is handled through two existing systems referenced directly in the Zoning Code. Section 44-4.100.010(E) states that 'the operation of a lodging facility shall be subject to Chapter 18A (Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax) and Chapter 10 (Licenses) of the County Code,' and that 'the business license shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises prior to operation of the business.' The transient occupancy tax registration is mandated by County Code Chapter 18A (Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax, Ord. No. 299). Under Section 18A-6, a hotel operator must register with the tax administrator and obtain a 'transient occupancy registration certificate,' which must be posted conspicuously on the premises; the certificate shows the operator's name, the address of the hotel, and the date of issuance. Chapter 18A defines a 'hotel' broadly as any structure occupied or intended for occupancy by transients for dwelling, lodging or sleeping purposes, which captures short-term rentals of homes and rooms. Beyond TOT registration and the business license, any required Planning and Building permit (such as a Use Permit) for the underlying lodging use must also be in place. Hosts should contact the Treasurer-Tax Collector to register for TOT and Planning/Building for the land-use approvals.