Arcata, California

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Humboldt County

Allowed (Permit Required)

STR Status

Permit: RequiredBusiness License Required
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/19/2026

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$160.00 initial; $107.00 renewal
Permit Cap100 permits
Business License RequiredYes
WaitlistYes

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Max Nights Per Year29 days per stay (maximum rental duration per stay, not per year)
Density / Distance Cap100
Parking RequiredNot specified

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOTContact city for rates

Official Sources

cityofarcata.org/868/Short-Stay-and-Vacation-Rentals
Data confidence: 90%Last updated: June 8, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Arcata, California

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Arcata, California are allowed with a permit. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: $160.00 initial; $107.00 renew).

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Arcata, California?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed with a permit in Arcata, California.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Arcata?

A short-term rental permit is required, a business license is also required, the fee is $160.00 initial; $107.00 renew.

Are there stay limits for short-term rentals in Arcata?

Yes — Arcata sets a cap of 29 rental nights per year.

Where do these Arcata short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Arcata's official short-term rental ordinance and updated when the rules change.

Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Arcata, Humboldt County, or California authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.