We continue here – the 2d of six blog posts – discussing the inland SoCo short-term VR Rules in effect prior to 2023. Permit Sonoma may consider using these in the Coastal Zone; there may be some revisions for coastal short-term VR family homes.
Any coastal VR rules need approval by the SoCo Planning Commission, the SoCo Board of Supervisors and the CA Coastal Commission.
Sec. 26-88-120 Vacation Rentals Ordinance
(c) Permits Required. Vacation rentals that meet the standards outlined in this section shall be allowed as provided by the underlying zone, subject to issuance of a zoning permit. Vacation rentals that do not meet the standards in this section may be permitted, subject to the granting of a use permit.
(d) Term of Permit. Zoning permits shall run with the landowner and shall automatically expire upon sale or transfer of the property. Use permits shall run with the land but may be issued for limited term, as specified by the decision-maker. Both types of permits may be revoked for failure to comply with adopted standards, subject to the administrative and revocation procedures of Article 92 unless otherwise specified by this section.
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The SoCo planning department (Permit Sonoma) is in charge of the county’s short-term vacation rentals. They control VR family homes by creating standards for the home before and after they are allowed to operate as short-term vacation rental homes.
There is no requirement for a business license in SoCo. Permit Sonoma uses the county zoning rules to control VR home operation. The rental of “short-term vacation homes” is a residential use of property (not a business use).
“Before” Standards: Permit Sonoma’s website has a list of the types of homes that can be short-term VRs. The last blog post explained that homes had to be single-family homes. They also have to be in residential districts. They cannot be located in higher-density residential districts or certain agricultural zones. These are a few examples. Go online for the complete checklist and the “Application Forms” (link below). If you are already operating as a VR on the coast you may be grandfathered in depending on the final VR Rules approved by all agencies.
The county VR Application Forms include a Property Report Checklist where you identify the structures on the property and their uses, the access to the property, proposed parking, outdoor areas made available etc. You also submit a Floor Plan and proof of septic capacity.
You register for the Transient Occupancy Tax, pay a filing fee, and meet the “Certified Property Manager Requirement”. Go online to see the various “Vacation Rental Permit Fees” that are paid, including an Annual Monitoring Fee.
You do all of this before you are given a permit to operate a VR.
These VR Rules apply inland; they do not apply on the coast. Permit Sonoma is in the process of extending short-term VR Rules to coastal zone VR family homes as part of the Local Coastal Plan update.
“After” Standards: These are the standards VR owners and their guests must meet regarding noise, garbage, parking etc. Those will be discussed in future blogs.
For the inland steps for VR application go here:
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/PRMD/Regulations/Vacation-and-Hosted-Rentals/Vacation-Rental-Permit/