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Sonoma County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Repeat Violator Strikes (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

First violation
Warning letter issued
Second within 12 months
Suspension up to 1 month
Third within 12 months
Suspension up to 6 months
Chronic non-compliance
Revocation up to 5 years
Safety violations
Immediate revocation, no prior warning

Summary

Repeat vacation rental violations in unincorporated Sonoma County trigger an escalating enforcement ladder, from a warning letter to suspensions of one to six months and license revocation for up to five years for chronic non-compliance.

City-specific rules exist: Petaluma, and Santa Rosa have their own repeat violator strikes rules that differ from Sonoma County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Upon issuance of the first notice of violation of Vacation Rental regulations, the licensee and certified property manager will receive a warning letter regarding the potential for suspension or revocation if additional violations are confirmed. If a second violation occurs within 12 months of the first, the Vacation Rental license and/or property manager certification may be temporarily suspended for a period of up to 1 month. If a third violation occurs within 12 months of the second, the Vacation Rental license and/or property manager certification may be subject to an extended suspension of up to 6 months. In cases of chronic non-compliance, the license and/or property manager certification will be revoked and a replacement may not be issued for the property for up to 5 years or until such time as the property is transferred to a new owner or owners, whichever is earlier. In cases where one or more violations endanger the safety of guests or the general public, the license may be revoked, without prior warning or suspension, for up to 5 years or until such time as the property is transferred to a new owner, whichever is earlier.

Full Breakdown

Permit Sonoma Policy 7-0-26 implements the vacation rental license ordinance (Chapter 4, Article VIII, Secs. 4-208 and 4-209) and zoning Sec. 26-28-160. A first verified violation draws a warning letter; a second within 12 months brings suspension of up to one month; a third within 12 months brings extended suspension of up to six months; chronic non-compliance results in revocation for up to five years or until the property transfers. Violations endangering guests or the public allow immediate revocation without prior warning. This ladder replaced the former Three Strikes Penalty of Sec. 26-88-120(g)(2), which summarily revoked permits after three violations within two years.

Violations & Fines

Civil penalties reach $1,500 for a first violation, $3,000 for a second, and $5,000 for a third within one year; unpermitted operation can cost three to ten times the application fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Sonoma County revoke a vacation rental license without warning?
Yes. When one or more violations endanger the safety of guests or the general public, the license may be revoked without prior warning or suspension for up to five years.
Does Sonoma County still use the Three Strikes Penalty?
No. The former three-strikes rule in Sec. 26-88-120(g)(2) was replaced by a license-based ladder of warning, suspension up to six months, and revocation for chronic non-compliance under Policy 7-0-26.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Sonoma County

All Sonoma County rules

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