Sonoma County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Repeat Violator Strikes (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.
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?
Does Sonoma County still use the Three Strikes Penalty?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sonoma County
California rules heatmap·Compare Sonoma County to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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