Palo Alto, California

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Santa Clara County

Prohibited

STR Status

Min Stay: 31
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/8/2026
31Min. Night Stay

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredNot specified
Business License RequiredNot specified
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Minimum Night Stay31
Parking RequiredNot specified

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOTContact city for rates

Zoning Restrictions

  • STRs not permitted in almost all residential zones

Official Sources

Data confidence: 88%Last updated: June 8, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Palo Alto, California

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Palo Alto, California are prohibited.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Palo Alto, California?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are prohibited in Palo Alto, California.

Are there stay limits for short-term rentals in Palo Alto?

Yes — Palo Alto sets a minimum stay of 31 nights.

Where do these Palo Alto short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Palo Alto'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 Palo Alto, Santa Clara County, or California authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.