| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — The Sea Ranch Association (TSRA) Rule 6.7 registration AND Sonoma County Vacation Rental permit (Coastal Zone) required. |
| Tax Rate | 12% Sonoma County Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). |
| Night / Day Cap | 180 nights per year (TSRA Rule 6.7 restriction). |
| Minimum Stay | None, but individual property rules vary. |
| Permit Fee | Sonoma County permit application fees and TSRA administrative registration fees apply. |
| Penalties | Subject to standard Sonoma County noise and code violation fines, plus TSRA HOA enforcement fines and suspension of rental privileges. |
| Primary Residence Required | No |
| Occupancy Limit | Capped by septic system capacity (standard maximum 2 people per bedroom plus 2, up to 10 or 12). |
Short-term rentals in The Sea Ranch, California are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — The Sea Ranch Association (TSRA) Rule 6.7 registration AND Sonoma County Vacation Rental permit (Coastal Zone) required.. The associated permit fees are Sonoma County permit application fees and TSRA administrative registration fees apply..
Short-term rental operators in The Sea Ranch should be aware of these tax obligations: 12% Sonoma County Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).. Yes — Sonoma County Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate required..
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in The Sea Ranch include: Primary residence requirement: No. Rental day cap: 180 nights per year (TSRA Rule 6.7 restriction).. Occupancy limit: Capped by septic system capacity (standard maximum 2 people per bedroom plus 2, up to 10 or 12).. Minimum stay: None, but individual property rules vary..
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in The Sea Ranch: Short-term rentals are prohibited in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Sonoma County vacation rental permits are non-transferable upon sale of the property.. Density rules: Regulated under TSRA Rule 6.7 community density guidelines.. Insurance: Yes — liability insurance required..
Hosts who fail to comply with The Sea Ranch's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Subject to standard Sonoma County noise and code violation fines, plus TSRA HOA enforcement fines and suspension of rental privileges..
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in The Sea Ranch: Sonoma County mandates that host listings display valid permit numbers..
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in The Sea Ranch but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Strict quiet hours (10:00 PM to 7:00 AM), dark sky lighting compliance, outdoor parking restrictions, and emergency contact manager availability.
Yes. The Sea Ranch requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — The Sea Ranch Association (TSRA) Rule 6.7 registration AND Sonoma County Vacation Rental permit (Coastal Zone) required..
Short-term rental hosts in The Sea Ranch are subject to the following tax obligations: 12% Sonoma County Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)..
Hosts who operate without proper permits in The Sea Ranch may face enforcement. Subject to standard Sonoma County noise and code violation fines, plus TSRA HOA enforcement fines and suspension of rental privileges..
Subject to double regulations: Sonoma County rules for the Coastal Zone and strict Sea Ranch Association (TSRA) HOA bylaws.
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