Executive Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Santa Maria?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Santa Maria, CA, but subject to county regulations since Santa Maria is within Santa Barbara County. The operation of STRs must comply with both Santa Barbara County's Short-Term Rental Ordinance and all applicable state-level requirements. It is important to note that within Santa Barbara County's Inland Area, it is illegal to advertise and/or rent property on a short-term basis (30 consecutive days or less) without first obtaining a proper short-term rental or homestay permit.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Santa Maria

Step 1: Determine Property Zoning and Eligibility

Before proceeding with any STR operation in Santa Maria, you must first identify your property's zoning designation using the Santa Barbara County Land Use and Zoning Map. This is critical because zoning determines whether you can operate a short-term rental or homestay:

• Short-term rentals are permitted in most commercial zones
• Homestays are permitted in residential zones and several other zone classifications

Access the zoning map here: Santa Barbara County Land Use and Zoning Map

Step 2: Apply for Planning Permit

Once you've confirmed zoning eligibility, submit a planning permit application through the County Planning & Development Department:

• Visit: Planning and Building Permit Applications and Forms
• Click "How to Submit Online for a Planning Permit"
• Critical: Clearly indicate in your project description whether you are applying for a short-term rental or homestay permit

Step 3: Review and Approval Process

The County will review your application for compliance with local ordinances. Upon approval, you will receive the necessary permits to operate your short-term rental or homestay legally.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Planning and Zoning Requirements

1. Planning Permit Application (submitted online through County Planning & Development)
2. Property Zoning Verification (using the County's Land Use and Zoning Map)
3. Compliance with County Short-Term Rental Ordinance (available at: Short-Term Rental Ordinance)

Tax and Business Registration Requirements

1. Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate - Required within 30 days of commencing business
   • Obtained from the Treasurer-Tax Collector's office
   • Application form: TOT Application for Certificate Registration
2. Business License - Required for all commercial operations

Tax Obligations

1. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) - 14% tax rate
   • Must be collected from guests
   • Remitted monthly to the County
2. Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) - For South County properties only
   • Assessment based on monthly rental income
   • Remitted monthly with TOT collections

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Santa Barbara County Regulations

• Inland Area: STRs and homestays are regulated and require permits
• Coastal Zone: Currently unregulated for STRs and homestays, but TOT still applies
• Permit Requirements: Mandatory for all STR operations in the Inland Area
• Definition: Short-term rental involves renting residential property for 30 consecutive days or less
• Homestay Definition: Similar arrangement where property owner or long-term tenant resides on-site during guest's stay

Zoning Restrictions

• Short-term rentals permitted in most commercial zones
• Homestays permitted in residential zones and select other zones
• Specific zone classifications are detailed in the County's Short-Term Rental Ordinance

Operational Requirements

• Must comply with all Transient Occupancy Tax regulations
• TBID assessment required for South County properties
• Monthly remittance of collected taxes to County Treasurer-Tax Collector

Prohibited Activities

• Operating STRs in the Inland Area without proper permits
• Advertising properties without required permits
• Non-compliance with TOT collection and remittance requirements

State-Level Regulations (California)

While Santa Maria follows county regulations for STR operations, California state law provides the general framework:

Key State Requirements

• Transient Occupancy Tax compliance at the local level
• Business registration requirements
• Adherence to local zoning and land use regulations
• Compliance with state health and safety standards

State Resources

For broader California STR law context, refer to state-level resources on short-term rental regulations and tax obligations.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Santa Barbara County Planning & Development Department

For Planning Permits and Zoning Questions:

• Website: Short-Term Rental Ordinance
• Planning Applications: Planning and Building Permit Applications

Santa Barbara County Treasurer-Tax Collector

For TOT Registration and Tax Remittance:

• TOT Information: Transient Occupancy Taxes
• TOT Registration Application: TOT Application for Certificate Registration

City of Santa Maria (General Information)

For City Services and Business Licensing:

• Address: 110 E. Cook Street, Santa Maria, CA 93454
• Phone: (805) 925-0951
• Website: City of Santa Maria
• Planning Division: Planning Policies and Regulations

Zoning and Property Verification

For Property Jurisdiction and Zoning Confirmation:

• Santa Barbara County Land Use and Zoning Map: Interactive GIS Map

Source Links

Santa Barbara County Resources

1. Short-Term Rental Ordinance
2. Planning and Building Permit Applications
3. Transient Occupancy Taxes
4. Tourism Business Improvement Districts (TBID)
5. TOT Registration Application
6. Santa Barbara County Land Use and Zoning Map

City of Santa Maria Resources

7. City of Santa Maria - Planning Policies and Regulations
8. City of Santa Maria - Contact Information

Additional Reference Materials

9. County of Santa Barbara Press Release - STR Guidance

Important Notice: This guide is based on publicly available information as of the date provided. STR regulations frequently change, and investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions. The complexity of multi-jurisdictional regulations (city, county, state) requires careful attention to current legal requirements and ongoing compliance obligations.