Santa Barbara, California
Short-Term Rental Regulations — Santa Barbara County
Conditional
STR Status
805 ftBuffer Distance
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
Density / Distance Cap805 ft
Parking RequiredNot specified
Taxes & Fees
Transient Occupancy Tax / TOTContact city for rates
Zoning Restrictions
- Prohibited in R-S and R-2 zones (Inland/Title 30) and A, E, R-1, R-2 zones (Coastal/Title 28); allowed where hotels are allowed
Official Sources
Data confidence: 78%Last updated: June 7, 2026
Short-term rental rules in Santa Barbara, California
Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Santa Barbara, California are allowed under certain conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Are short-term rentals allowed in Santa Barbara, California?
Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed under certain conditions in Santa Barbara, California.
Where do these Santa Barbara short-term rental rules come from?
These details are verified against Santa Barbara'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 Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County, or California authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.