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Boulder Creek, CA

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STR Regulations for Boulder Creek, California

Executive Overview

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Boulder Creek, CA. Boulder Creek is located within the unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County, which maintains a comprehensive framework for both hosted and non-hosted short-term rentals. The County permits two primary types of short-term rentals: Vacation Rentals (entire home rentals) and Hosted Rentals (1-2 bedroom rentals where the property owner remains on-site during guest stays). Both permit types are valid for five years and subject to specific regulatory requirements, caps, and operational standards.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Boulder Creek?

Boulder Creek hosts earn a median $31,895/year with $228 ADR and 47% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $44,784+ per year.

See the full Boulder Creek market breakdown

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Boulder Creek

Step 1: Determine Rental Type and Eligibility

  • Hosted Rentals: Rent 1-2 bedrooms while you live on-site (County-wide cap: 250 permits)
  • Vacation Rentals: Rent entire home when you're not present (no County-wide cap)
  • Verify your property zoning allows residential use (most residential zones qualify)
  • Check if your property is in a designated beach area (LODA, SALSDA, or DASDA) which may have additional restrictions

Step 2: Pre-Application Consultation

  • Strongly recommended: Schedule a planning consultation before applying
  • Contact: (831) 454-2130 or visit the Zoning Counter at 701 Ocean Street, 4th Floor, Santa Cruz
  • Online appointment scheduling available through county website

Step 3: Prepare Required Documentation

  • Complete appropriate application forms
  • Obtain Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate
  • Prepare rental agreements or house rules
  • Submit non-refundable application fees

Step 4: Application Submission

Step 5: Review Process and Issuance

  • Hosted Rentals: Over-the-counter processing available
  • Vacation Rentals:
    • Level IV review (public notice) for properties with less than 4 bedrooms
    • Level V review (Zoning Administrator hearing) for properties with 4+ bedrooms

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

For Hosted Rentals

New Permit Applications:

  • Hosted Rental Application Form (PLG155)
  • Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate or signed application from County Tax Collector
  • Copy of rental agreement/lease OR house rules (if using online platform like Airbnb)
  • Non-refundable application fee: $149.60

Permit Renewals:

  • Hosted Rental Permit Renewal Application Form (PLG160)
  • Proof of Significant Use summary (dates of rental activity)
  • Non-refundable application fee: $149.60

For Vacation Rentals

Required Documentation:

  • Vacation Rental application forms (specific forms available on county website)
  • TOT certificate from County Tax Collector
  • Detailed house rules and operational plans
  • Applicable review fees (varies by property size and review level)

Universal Requirements

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT):

  • Rate: 11% of gross rental income
  • Certificate required before operating
  • Contact Tax Collector: (831) 454-2510 or ttc.webmail@santacruzcountyca.gov
  • TOT Application Form available online

House Rules Must Include:

  • Minimum rental age requirements
  • Maximum number of guests
  • Vehicle restrictions
  • Noise limitations
  • Food/cooking requirements
  • Pet policies
  • Prohibited events
  • Trash management protocols
  • Emergency evacuation instructions

Specific Regulations

Geographic and Zoning Restrictions

  • Short-term rentals allowed in all zone districts permitting residential use
  • Prohibited: Accessory structures, ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), affordable housing units, balconies, porches, sheds, tents, and RVs
  • Allowed Dwelling Types:
    • Vacation Rentals: Single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes
    • Hosted Rentals: Any legal dwelling unit

Guest Limits

Vacation Rentals:

  • Overnight guests: 2 per bedroom + 2 additional guests maximum
  • Daytime guests: May not exceed twice the overnight guest limit

Hosted Rentals:

  • Maximum: 3 guests per hosted bedroom

Designated Beach Area Restrictions

Properties located in designated beach neighborhoods (Live Oak Designated Area - LODA, Seacliff/Aptos Designated Area - SALSDA, Davenport/Swanton Designated Area - DASDA) are subject to:

  • Permit Caps: 15% of total parcels in LODA and SALSDA; 10% in DASDA
  • Block-Level Limits: Maximum 20% of residential parcels per block
  • Wait Lists: Active wait lists maintained with $145.00 annual fee
  • Bi-annual Evaluation: Permit availability assessed June 1st and December 1st

Operational Requirements

  • Permit Validity: 5 years for both hosted and vacation rentals
  • Owner Presence: Required for hosted rentals during all guest stays
  • Signage: House rules must be posted on-site
  • Compliance Monitoring: Subject to code enforcement and neighbor complaints

Tax and Financial Obligations

  • Transient Occupancy Tax: 11% of gross rental revenue
  • Application Fees:
    • Hosted Rentals: $149.60 (new and renewal)
    • Vacation Rentals: Varies by property size and review process
  • Wait List Fee: $145.00 annually (if applicable to designated areas)

State-Level Regulations (California)

As a California property owner, you must also comply with state-level requirements:

Fair Housing and Anti-Discrimination

  • Must comply with California's Fair Employment and Housing Act
  • Cannot discriminate based on protected classes (race, religion, national origin, etc.)
  • Reasonable accommodations must be made for guests with disabilities

Business Licenses and Tax Obligations

  • State Sales Tax: May apply to certain rental services
  • Federal Tax Reporting: Rental income must be reported on federal tax returns
  • 1099 Reporting: Platforms like Airbnb may issue 1099 forms for tax reporting

Safety and Building Codes

  • Properties must meet all applicable California Building and Fire Codes
  • Smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector requirements
  • Emergency egress and safety standards

Contact Information

Santa Cruz County Planning Department (Primary Authority)

  • Physical Address: 701 Ocean Street, 4th Floor, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • Phone: (831) 454-2580 (Planning Switchboard)
  • Zoning Information Line: (831) 454-2130
  • Email: vacation.eplanreview@santacruzcountyca.gov
  • Website: cdi.santacruzcountyca.gov/

County Tax Collector (TOT Certificates)

  • Phone: (831) 454-2510
  • Email: ttc.webmail@santacruzcountyca.gov
  • Physical Address: 701 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA

Online Resources

Source Links

Primary County Sources:

State Resources:

Additional References:

This guide is current as of the information provided in source documents. Regulations may change; investors should verify current requirements with Santa Cruz County officials before making investment decisions.

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Boulder Creek

Market Saturation Score

036912
Moderate Saturation
5/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
5–7 declining months: moderate saturation risk - market may be nearing capacity.
View Full Boulder Creek Market Analysis

Photos of Boulder Creek

Overview of Boulder Creek

Boulder Creek is a small unincorporated community nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains of Santa Cruz County, California, with a population of roughly 5,000 residents. The town has a laid-back, forested character, with tall trees lining the streets and the San Lorenzo River winding through the heart of the community. It is best known for serving as a gateway to the surrounding redwood country, including one of California's most celebrated state parks. Boulder Creek sits about 20 miles northwest of Santa Cruz and roughly 35 miles southwest of San Jose, making it an accessible mountain escape from both the coast and the greater Bay Area.

Just a few miles up Highway 236 from downtown Boulder Creek lies Big Basin Redwoods State Park, established in 1902 as California's oldest state park. The park is renowned for its towering old-growth coast redwoods, including the famous Mother of the Forest, and offers miles of hiking trails that wind through ancient forest. While a significant portion of the park was burned in the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex fire, ongoing recovery efforts have gradually reopened trails and campgrounds, drawing visitors interested in witnessing the forest's natural regeneration.

A short drive south of Boulder Creek in the nearby community of Felton, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park features one of the most accessible old-growth redwood groves in the region along its famous Redwood Grove Loop Trail. The park also protects the rare Santa Cruz Sandhills habitat and is home to the historic Felton Covered Bridge, one of the few remaining covered bridges in the area. The easy, family-friendly trails make it a popular stop for travelers who want to experience the redwoods without a strenuous hike.

Also located in Felton, Roaring Camp Railroads offers heritage steam train excursions that depart from the redwood forest and travel to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk along the coast. The railroad has been operating since the 1960s and provides a nostalgic ride through some of the same landscapes that once supported the region's logging industry. About a 30- to 40-minute drive southwest of Boulder Creek, the city of Santa Cruz adds a coastal dimension to the experience, with the historic Beach Boardwalk, the Pacific Avenue shopping district, and the Santa Cruz Wharf all within easy reach of a day trip.

Boulder Creek's blend of small-town mountain character, immediate access to ancient redwood forests, and proximity to both the Pacific shoreline and the San Francisco Bay Area makes it a compelling base for short-term rentals. Guests can spend their mornings hiking beneath towering redwoods, their afternoons riding a historic steam train or strolling along the coast, and their evenings returning to a quiet, tree-shaded community removed from the bustle of the city. For travelers seeking a Northern California experience that pairs outdoor adventure with cozy small-town charm, Boulder Creek offers a memorable and convenient home base.

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