California has no statewide STR license, but local rules are among the strictest in the country — with permit caps, waitlists, mandatory property managers, and dual inspection requirements.
California leaves STR regulation entirely to local jurisdictions. There is no statewide vacation rental license. However, several California counties have among the most complex and restrictive STR permit systems in the U.S. — with permit caps, primary-residence requirements, mandatory certified property managers, and multi-inspection requirements.
| County | Permit Required? | Fee (approx.) | Inspection? | Cap / Waitlist? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marin County | Yes | $300 new / $150 primary renewal | No | Some townships |
| Placer County (Tahoe) | Yes | Varies | Yes (2 inspections) | No formal cap |
| Sonoma County | Yes | See Permit Sonoma | No | No formal cap |
Two-year permit cycle. Primary home permits are cheaper ($150 renewal) than non-primary. Waitlists exist in some Marin townships where permit density caps have been reached. New applicants should check availability before purchasing investment properties.
Full Guide →Requires both a Fire Life Safety inspection AND a Defensible Space inspection — both must pass before permit issuance. Fire season makes defensible space compliance critical and non-negotiable. The Tahoe-area permitting process is among California's most thorough.
Full Guide →Unique requirement: a certified property manager is required for all vacation rentals in Sonoma County. Self-management is not permitted. This adds meaningful annual management cost that investors must factor in.
Full Guide →California has no statewide lodging tax for residential rentals, but virtually every county and city levies its own Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) ranging from 10–15%. Register with your county tax collector separately from your STR permit.
Cost Comparison →California STR regulation varies significantly by jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your specific county or city planning department before applying.