Monterey County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Taxes & Fees (2026)

Per Monterey County Code Chapter 5.40 (Transient Occupancy Tax), all transient lodging operators - including vacation rentals - must collect 10.5% TOT from guests staying 30 days or fewer and remit monthly to the Treasurer-Tax Collector. Chapter 7.120 (added by Ord. 24-027, effective October 14, 2024 inland; Coastal Zone counterpart effective October 24, 2025) requires a Vacation Rental Operation License before any rental activity. Reported VROL initial fee is approximately $1,100 with annual renewal at a lower amount, set by the County's adopted Master Fee Schedule (Article IX). The County Business License administered by the Treasurer-Tax Collector is $207 in the first year and $115 for annual renewal. Commercial Vacation Rentals - whole-home, unlimited-booking operations without owner on-site - require discretionary review: an Inland Use Permit (approximately $8,000) under Title 21, or a Coastal Development Permit (approximately $14,000) under Title 20. Discretionary CVR permits last up to seven years. Unlike many California counties, Airbnb and Vrbo do not collect Monterey County TOT automatically; the operator is solely responsible for registration, collection, and remittance.