HostReadyAll STR owners in Santa Cruz must obtain an STR permit and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate. A total of 250 hosted (owner-occupied) STR permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no waitlist currently. The City is not issuing new Non-Hosted STR permits or ADU STR permits, and properties containing both a single-family home and an ADU/JADU are not eligible.
Licensing and Permits
Santa Cruz requires hosts to obtain an STR license or permit before listing their property on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. An inspection is required as part of the permitting process. The city caps STR permits at 250.
Enforcement
Santa Cruz has medium enforcement of STR regulations. Operating without proper licensing or failing to comply with local regulations can result in citations, fines, and potential loss of your permit.
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Tax rates, platform collection details, occupancy limits, operational requirements, and more.
Sign Up FreeCompiled from 7 official government sources and continuously monitored for changes. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before making investment or operational decisions.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before making investment or operational decisions.