Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Antioch, CA?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Antioch, CA, but they are subject to specific regulations at both the city and county levels. Antioch's Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) explicitly exempts "hotels, vacation rentals, and other properties used for short-term rentals of no more than 30 days" from rent control requirements, indicating that such rentals are permitted within the city.

However, short-term rental operations in Antioch must comply with applicable regulations depending on whether the property is located within city limits or in unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. The regulatory framework distinguishes between hosted and unhosted rentals, imposes occupancy limits, and requires specific permits and compliance measures.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Antioch

Step 1: Determine Your Property's Jurisdiction

First, ascertain whether your property falls within Antioch city limits or in unincorporated Contra Costa County, as different regulatory frameworks apply:

• Within Antioch City Limits: Governed primarily by Antioch Municipal Code and RSO exemptions
• Unincorporated Areas: Subject to Contra Costa County STR Ordinance 2020-12

Step 2: Choose Your Rental Model

Select between hosted and unhosted arrangements, as regulations differ significantly:

Hosted Short-Term Rentals: Where the property owner resides on-site throughout the guest's stay Unhosted Short-Term Rentals: Where the property is rented without the owner's physical presence

Step 3: Secure Necessary Permits and Licenses

Obtain all required permits before commencing operations (see Required Documents section below)

Step 4: Implement Compliance Measures

Install required safety equipment, establish parking arrangements, and prepare for ongoing compliance monitoring

Step 5: Establish Tax Collection Procedures

Set up systems for collecting and remitting applicable transient occupancy taxes

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

For Properties Within Antioch City Limits:

Business License: Required from the Finance Department

• Contact: Finance Department - Business License Division
• Phone: (925) 779-7015
• Website: www.awegov.com/finance-department/business-license/

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration: Required for tax collection and remittance

• Note: Antioch's FAQ mentions a 10% occupancy tax requirement

For Properties in Unincorporated Contra Costa County:

STR Permit: Mandatory under County Ordinance 2020-12

• Ministerial STR Permit: For properties complying with standard regulations
• Discretionary STR Permit: Required for deviations from standard rules (e.g., exceeding day limits, reduced parking)

Application Requirements:

• Property owner information
• Property details and address
• Rental model (hosted vs. unhosted)
• Compliance with all operational standards
• Payment of applicable fees

Required Documentation:

• Property ownership verification
• Site plan showing parking arrangements
• Safety equipment documentation (smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher)
• Contact information for responsible party

General Compliance Documentation:

Insurance: Minimum $1 million liability coverage (recommended) Safety Equipment:

• Smoke detectors in all bedrooms
• Carbon monoxide detectors where required
• Fire extinguisher (minimum 2A:10B:C rating)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Contra Costa County Regulations (Unincorporated Areas):

Day Limits:

• Non-hosted rentals: Maximum 90 days per calendar year
• Hosted rentals: Maximum 180 days per calendar year
• Overall maximum: 180 days regardless of hosting status

Occupancy Limits:

• Maximum 2 persons per bedroom + 2 additional persons total
• Children under 12 not counted toward occupancy limit
• Maximum 20 total persons on property at any time

Parking Requirements:

• 3 or fewer bedrooms: Minimum 1 off-street parking space for guests
• 4 or more bedrooms: Minimum 2 off-street parking spaces for guests

Operational Standards (No deviations permitted):

• No excessive traffic inconsistent with residential use
• No excessive noise inconsistent with residential use
• No obstruction of roads
• No accessory dwelling units (ADUs) permitted as STRs
• No special events allowed (conferences, weddings, commercial events)
• No signage permitted

Property Restrictions:

• Maximum 1 STR per lot
• No STRs in buildings with 5 or more dwelling units

Antioch City Regulations:

Duration: Short-term rentals of 30 days or fewer are explicitly exempt from Antioch's Rent Stabilization Ordinance

Alternative Interpretation: Some sources indicate 90-day limit for unhosted and 180-day limit for hosted rentals within Antioch city limits, representing a more permissive framework than county regulations

Occupancy: Subject to standard residential occupancy limits based on bedroom count

Zoning Compliance: STRs must comply with underlying zoning designations

State of California Regulations:

Tax Requirements:

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection and remittance
• State sales tax applicability for booking platform fees

Insurance Requirements: No specific state-mandated insurance minimums for STRs

Safety Standards: Must comply with California Health and Safety Code requirements for residential properties

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Antioch City - Rent Program (For RSO Questions):

Email: RentProgram@antiochca.gov
Phone: (925) 779-7017
Location: 200 H Street, Antioch, CA 94509
Website: www.awegov.com/rent-program/

Antioch City - Finance Department (Business Licenses):

Phone: (925) 779-7015
Website: www.awegov.com/finance-department/business-license/

Contra Costa County - Code Enforcement:

Website: For STR permit applications and enforcement matters
Contact: County Planning Department for permit inquiries

Antioch City Hall (General Inquiries):

Address: 200 H Street, Antioch, CA 94509-1285
Phone: (925) 779-7000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: www.awegov.com/

Source Pages

1. Contra Costa County STR Summary: www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/67827/STR_Summary
   (Official county ordinance details and requirements)

2. Antioch Rent Program FAQ: www.awegov.com/rent-program/faqs/
   (City-specific regulations and exemptions)

3. Antioch Municipal Code - Rent Stabilization: www.antiochca.gov/Faq.aspx?QID=231
   (Official city exemptions and requirements)

4. Northern California STR Regulations Overview: www.rentbumper.com/short-term-rental-regulations-northern-california/
   (Comparative analysis including Antioch-specific information)

Important Note: This guide provides general information based on available sources. STR regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances may vary. Investors should verify current requirements with local authorities and consider consulting with legal counsel familiar with local STR regulations before making investment decisions.