Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Campbell, California?

SHORT-TERM RENTALS ARE ALLOWED in Campbell, California, subject to specific regulations and requirements. However, there is an important distinction: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are explicitly prohibited from short-term rental use for stays under 30 days under Campbell Municipal Code Section 21.23.070.A. Regular residential properties, however, may operate as short-term rentals provided they comply with all applicable regulations.

Campbell operates a regulated short-term rental environment where hosts must obtain proper registration, collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and comply with local zoning, noise, and nuisance ordinances.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Campbell

Step 1: Property Eligibility Assessment

• Verify zoning compliance: Ensure your property is in a zoning district that permits short-term rentals
• ADU restrictions: If your property includes an ADU, understand that it cannot be used for short-term rentals under 30 days
• Primary residence considerations: While Campbell doesn't appear to restrict STRs to primary residences based on available information, verify current regulations with the city

Step 2: Business Registration and Tax Compliance

• TOT Certificate: Register for a Transient Occupancy Tax certificate with the City of Campbell
• Tax collection: Implement systems to collect the 10% TOT from guests
• Quarterly remittance: Submit TOT payments quarterly as required

Step 3: Operational Setup

• Platform registration: Register with short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.)
• Insurance: Obtain appropriate liability insurance coverage
• Local contact: Designate a local contact person for guest issues and city communications
• Safety compliance: Ensure property meets all safety requirements

Step 4: Ongoing Compliance

• Regular reporting: Maintain accurate records of bookings and TOT collections
• Regulation monitoring: Stay updated on any changes to local STR regulations
• Guest management: Implement policies to ensure compliance with noise, parking, and nuisance ordinances

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Requirements:

1. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate

   • Register with the City of Campbell Finance Department
   • Certificate must be displayed or made available to guests
   • Required for all STR operations

2. Business License (if applicable)

   • Verify current requirements with Campbell City Hall
   • May be required in addition to TOT registration

3. Platform Registration

   • Register property listing on chosen platforms
   • Display registration numbers/certificates in listings as required

Operational Guidelines:

• 10% TOT Collection: Collect Transient Occupancy Tax from guests
• Quarterly Tax Remittance: Submit collected taxes quarterly
• Noise Ordinance Compliance: Adhere to local noise regulations
• Parking Regulations: Ensure adequate parking for guests
• Nuisance Prevention: Implement measures to prevent disturbances

Recommended Documentation:

• Guest check-in/out procedures
• Emergency contact information
• Local rules and regulations for guests
• Cancellation policies
• House rules and occupancy limits

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Campbell Municipal Code)

ADU Restrictions (Important):

• Explicit prohibition: Campbell Municipal Code Section 21.23.070.A clearly states that "Leases for durations of less than thirty days, including short-term rentals are prohibited" for ADUs and Junior ADUs
• Enforcement: The Community Development Director may require deed restrictions documenting this restriction
• Business impact: If your investment strategy relies on ADU short-term rentals, Campbell is not a viable market

Regular STR Regulations:

• TOT requirement: 10% Transient Occupancy Tax on all short-term rentals
• Registration requirement: TOT certificate mandatory for all operators
• Quarterly reporting: TOT payments required quarterly
• Zoning compliance: Must comply with applicable zoning ordinances
• Noise regulations: Subject to local noise and nuisance ordinances

County-Level Regulations (Santa Clara County)

The provided content does not specify county-level STR regulations for Santa Clara County. In areas outside Campbell city limits, county regulations would typically apply. Investors should verify county requirements for properties in unincorporated areas.

State-Level Regulations (California)

While specific state regulations are not detailed in the provided content, California generally:

• Allows cities to regulate short-term rentals through local ordinances
• Requires TOT collection and remittance where applicable
• May have overlapping regulations with local jurisdictions

Key State Considerations:

• Platform cooperation: Major platforms like Airbnb collect and remit some local taxes automatically
• Coastal regulations: If near coastal areas, additional regulations may apply
• Insurance requirements: State regulations may require minimum liability coverage

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Campbell - Primary Contact

For TOT Registration and STR Compliance:

• Phone: (408) 866-2100 (City Hall Main)
• Website: www.campbellca.gov
• Email: Contact through city website or call for specific department information

Specific Departments to Contact:

• Finance Department: For TOT registration and tax remittance questions
• Community Development Department: For zoning and permit questions
• City Clerk: For business license requirements

Key Contact Information for STR Operations:

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)

• Registration: Contact Finance Department
• Quarterly reporting: Follow up with Finance for payment procedures
• Website: www.campbellca.gov (navigate to Finance or TOT sections)

Zoning and Planning Questions

• Community Development: For zoning compliance verification
• Phone: (408) 866-2100
• Website: www.campbellca.gov/Community-Development

General Information

• City Hall: (408) 866-2100
• Address: 70 N. First St., Campbell, CA 95008
• Business Hours: Verify current hours on city website

Source Pages and Links

Primary Regulatory Sources:

1. Campbell ADU Ordinance (Provides insight into Campbell's approach to rental regulations)

   • Source: www.campbellca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/21629/Interim-Ordinance-No-2299-ADU
   • Key Section: 21.23.070.A - Short-term rental prohibition for ADUs

2. Summer.com STR Guide for Campbell

   • Source: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/campbell-california
   • Information: TOT requirements, 10% tax rate, quarterly remittance

3. Northern California STR Regulations Overview

   • Source: www.rentbumper.com/short-term-rental-regulations-northern-california/
   • Information: References Campbell in broader regulatory context

Additional Research Recommended:

• Campbell Municipal Code: Access full municipal code for comprehensive STR regulations
• Santa Clara County Regulations: For unincorporated area requirements
• California State Regulations: For state-level STR and TOT requirements

Important Disclaimers and Notes

Regulatory Changes: Short-term rental regulations are frequently updated at local levels. Always verify current requirements with official city sources.

ADU Investment Warning: Campbell's explicit prohibition on ADU short-term rentals makes this market unsuitable for investors relying on ADU revenue streams.

Enforcement: Campbell actively enforces STR regulations with potential fines for non-compliance.

Professional Consultation: Given the complexity of local regulations and potential for significant financial impact, consider consulting with local real estate attorneys or experienced STR managers familiar with Campbell's specific requirements.

Ongoing Monitoring: Regulations can change rapidly. Establish systems to monitor updates to Campbell's STR ordinances and tax requirements.

This guide provides a foundation for understanding Campbell's STR market, but investors should conduct thorough due diligence and maintain ongoing compliance monitoring to ensure successful operations in this regulated environment.