Walnut Creek Short-Term Rentals: Registration Rules Rules (2026)

Walnut Creek treats short-term rentals as a lodging use subject to the city's Business License Tax Ordinance (Municipal Code Title 4) and its Transient Occupancy Tax Ordinance (Chapter 3-4). Any rental of a residential unit for less than 30 consecutive days — including Airbnb, VRBO, Furnished Finder, and direct bookings — triggers registration requirements. Operators must first verify that the property's zoning district allows transient lodging: much of Walnut Creek's single-family residential zoning does not explicitly list STRs as a permitted use, meaning hosts should consult the Community Development Department before listing, especially for whole-home unhosted rentals. Registration involves obtaining a Walnut Creek Business License, setting up a TOT account with the Finance Department, and typically providing proof of property ownership or landlord authorization, a local responsible contact available 24/7, and acknowledgement of noise and parking rules. Rossmoor 55+ community rentals are further restricted by Golden Rain Foundation rules requiring 90-day minimum stays, which effectively prohibit STRs inside Rossmoor. Walnut Creek's Business License must be renewed annually and displayed on request. TOT returns must be filed monthly or quarterly per the account, even when platforms collect on your behalf. Operating without a Business License is a misdemeanor; unreported TOT is subject to back taxes, penalties up to 25%, and interest.