Short-Term Rental Investment Guide: Vacaville, California

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Vacaville?

Short-term rentals are currently prohibited in Vacaville city limits. The Vacaville City Council formally prepared to ban vacation rentals such as Airbnb and VRBO during a study session in February 2018. Council members expressed concerns about neighborhood character, safety, and enforcement challenges. Four of the five council members were in agreement against allowing vacation rentals, with Councilman Curtis Hunt being the sole dissenting voice who advocated for regulation rather than prohibition.

Key Exception: The prohibition appears to apply to traditional short-term rentals. The city does allow homeowners to host fundraising events in their homes, as long as no profit is made from hosting these events.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Vacaville

Current Status: Not Permitted Within City Limits

Given the council's position in 2018, operating a traditional short-term rental (30 days or less) within Vacaville city limits is not currently allowed. However, there are alternative approaches:

1. Focus on Long-Term Rentals: The city encourages traditional long-term residential rental arrangements
2. Consider Unincorporated Solano County: Properties outside city limits but within Solano County have different regulations (see County section below)
3. Monitor Regulatory Changes: Stay informed about potential future policy changes

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

For Vacaville City (Current Prohibition):

• No permits or licenses are currently issued for short-term rentals within city limits
• Operating an STR may result in code enforcement action

For Solano County Unincorporated Areas:

• Appropriate permit application
• Business License
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate Registration

Specific Regulations

City of Vacaville

• Current Policy: Vacation rentals prohibited as of 2018 study session
• ADU Restrictions: Accessory Dwelling Units "shall not be used for short-term rentals (less than 31 days)"
• Event Hosting: Allowed for non-profit fundraisers without profit motive
• Enforcement: Code enforcement and police response concerns cited by council

Solano County (Unincorporated Areas)

Short-Term Lodging Definition:

• Temporary occupancy of 30 consecutive calendar days or less
• Includes portions of calendar days as full days
• Applies to any person other than resident family
• Right to lodging granted by money exchange or other agreement
• Excludes: Occasional home exchange of dwelling used as primary residence

Requirements for County Operations:

1. Apply for appropriate permit
2. Obtain Business License
3. Register for Transient Occupancy Tax Certificate

State of California

While specific state regulations weren't detailed in the provided content, California has various housing laws affecting STR operations, particularly regarding ADU restrictions.

Contact Information

Vacaville City Government

Community Development Department

• Address: 650 Merchant Street, Vacaville, CA 95688
• Phone: (707) 449-5140
• Email: communitydevelopment@cityofvacaville.gov

Building Division

• Phone: (707) 449-5152
• Email: permits@cityofvacaville.gov
• Building Inspection Line: (707) 317-1070

Main City Contact

• Phone: (707) 449-5100
• TTY: (707) 449-5162
• California Relay Service: 711

Solano County Government

Planning Services Division

• Phone: (707) 784-6765
• Email: planning@SolanoCounty.gov

Source Pages

1. Solano County Short-Term Lodging Information

   • www.solanocounty.gov/government/resource-management/planning-services/development-programs/short-term-lodging

2. Vacaville ADU Regulations

   • www.cityofvacaville.gov/government/community-development/zoning/common-topics/accessory-dwelling-units-adu

3. The Reporter News Article - Vacaville Vacation Rental Prohibition

   • www.thereporter.com/general-news/20180228/vacaville-prepares-to-prohibit-vacation-rentals/

4. StaySTRA Market Analysis (Third-party data - verification recommended)

   • staystra.com/location/california/vacaville/

5. Checkmate Rentals Information (Third-party data - verification recommended)

   • www.checkmaterentals.com/airbnb-management/vacaville-california

Important Investment Consideration: The prohibition on vacation rentals within Vacaville city limits represents a significant regulatory barrier. Investors should carefully verify current municipal codes and consider properties in unincorporated Solano County or neighboring jurisdictions that allow short-term rentals. The 2018 council position was firm, but local regulations can change, so ongoing monitoring of city policy is essential for any STR investment strategy in this market.