Palo Alto charges a 14% Transient Occupancy Tax on short-term rentals, the highest rate in Santa Clara County, collected monthly by the city Finance Department.
The Palo Alto Transient Occupancy Tax is set at 14% of the total rent paid by guests staying fewer than 30 days, making it the highest TOT rate in Santa Clara County. The tax applies to hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfasts, and short-term rentals offered through platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO. Operators must register with the Finance Department for a TOT certificate of authority, collect the 14% from each guest, and file returns on the schedule assigned by the city, typically monthly or quarterly. Late filings incur penalties of 10% plus interest, and failure to collect is treated as a tax debt owed by the operator. Some platforms collect and remit TOT on the host's behalf via voluntary agreements, but the host remains responsible for registration and for taxes on direct bookings. Contact Revenue Collections at 650-329-2100.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto Airport (PAO) enforces a voluntary curfew and noise abatement procedures, with FAA preemption limiting local authority over flight operations.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto prohibits amplified music audible beyond the property line during quiet hours and requires a special event permit for outdoor amplification in publ...
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto enforces strict decibel limits by zone under PAMC 9.10.040: 60 dBA day / 50 dBA night in residential, scaling up to 70 dBA in manufacturing zones.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto permits construction Monday-Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 6pm, with no work allowed on Sundays or holidays under PAMC 9.10.060.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto requires encroachment permits for new driveways, regulates curb cut dimensions, and prohibits blocking sidewalks or adjacent driveways under traffi...
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto restricts RV, trailer, and boat storage on public streets and requires screening for large recreational vehicles on residential property under zoni...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle taxes & fees.
See how Palo Alto's taxes & fees rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.