Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

YES, short-term rentals are allowed in Fairfield, CA and Solano County. However, the regulatory framework differs significantly depending on whether your property is located within the City of Fairfield limits or in unincorporated areas of Solano County.

Key Distinctions:

• City of Fairfield: Short-term rentals are permitted but subject to city-specific zoning and business regulations
• Unincorporated Solano County: Short-term lodging is permitted with specific permit requirements and Vacation House Rental (VHR) provisions

The distinction is critical because unincorporated areas follow county regulations, while properties within city limits must comply with Fairfield's municipal code and zoning ordinances.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Step 1: Determine Your Location's Jurisdiction

1. Verify your property address using the Fairfield Zoning Map to confirm whether you're within city limits or in unincorporated county areas
2. For city properties: Follow Fairfield municipal procedures
3. For unincorporated county properties: Follow Solano County short-term lodging requirements

Step 2: Property Compliance Assessment

• Zoning verification: Confirm short-term rental use is permitted in your specific zoning district
• Building code compliance: Ensure property meets all safety requirements
• Insurance evaluation: Obtain adequate liability coverage
• Fire safety compliance: Especially important in high fire hazard severity zones

Step 3: Business Structure Setup

• Choose appropriate business entity structure
• Establish financial systems for tax collection and remittance
• Set up booking and management systems

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

For Unincorporated Solano County Properties:

1. Short-Term Lodging Permit

• Required before listing property
• Contact Planning Services Division for application
• Valid for dwellings meeting county criteria

2. Business License

• Obtained through county business licensing system
• Required for all commercial lodging operations

3. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate

• Registration certificate for tax collection
• Mandatory for properties offering lodging under 30 days
• Tax rates and collection procedures apply

For Fairfield City Properties:

1. Business License

• Available through Fairfield Business License Services
• Required for commercial operations
• May have city-specific requirements for STR businesses

2. Zoning Compliance

• Verify STR use is permitted in your zoning district
• Consult Fairfield Municipal Code Chapter 25 for specific regulations

3. Transient Occupancy Tax Registration

• City-specific TOT collection and remittance requirements apply
• Contact city Finance Department for registration

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Solano County (Unincorporated Areas):

Definition of Short-Term Lodging:

• Temporary occupancy of 30 consecutive calendar days or less
• Includes portions of calendar days as full days
• Applies to time-share plans and co-ownership arrangements
• Excludes occasional home exchanges of primary residences

Facility Types:

• Resident family occupied dwellings
• Non-resident family occupied dwellings
• Each category has specific requirements and limitations

Key Requirements:

• Permit approval before operation
• Business license maintenance
• TOT certificate registration and compliance
• Compliance with fire safety standards
• Adherence to occupancy limits and parking requirements

Fairfield City:

• Zoning ordinances govern permitted uses in residential districts
• Business license requirements for commercial operations
• Municipal code compliance for lodging activities
• Property tax and business tax implications

State of California Requirements:

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT):

• Statewide requirement for accommodations under 30 days
• Rates vary by jurisdiction (county: 9%, city: typically 10-14%)
• Mandatory collection and remittance by hosts
• penalties for non-compliance

Business Operations:

• General business license requirements
• Insurance and safety compliance standards
• Tax reporting and remittance obligations

Contact Information

Solano County (Unincorporated Areas):

Planning Services Division

• Phone: 707-784-6765
• Email: planning@SolanoCounty.gov
• Office Hours: Contact for current availability
• Services: Permits, VHR applications, zoning compliance

Solano County Main Website

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

City of Fairfield:

Community Development Department - Planning Division

• Address: 1000 Webster Street, Fairfield, CA 94533
• Website: https://www.fairfield.ca.gov/government/city-departments/community-development
• Services: Zoning compliance, business licenses, municipal code interpretation

Business License Services

• Online: Fairfield Business License Portal
• Phone: Contact City Hall main line for current department contacts

Important Considerations for Investors

Market Analysis:

• Competition: Research existing STR properties in your area
• Pricing: Analyze local market rates and seasonal variations
• Demand: Assess tourism and business travel patterns
• Regulatory Changes: Stay updated on evolving regulations

Financial Planning:

• Permit and licensing costs: Budget for application fees
• Tax obligations: Factor in TOT, income taxes, and property taxes
• Insurance requirements: Ensure adequate coverage
• Compliance costs: Ongoing regulatory and reporting expenses

Operational Requirements:

• Property management: Local contact requirements may apply
• Guest screening: Develop appropriate policies
• Maintenance standards: Ensure property meets habitability requirements
• Community relations: Address neighbor concerns proactively

Source Links

Official Government Sources:

• Solano County Short-Term Lodging Information
• Solano County VHR FAQs
• Fairfield Zoning and Development Standards
• Fairfield Municipal Code
• Fairfield Business License Services

Additional Resources:

• Fairfield Zoning Map
• City of Fairfield Contact Information

Next Steps for STR Investment

1. Consult with local planning officials to verify zoning compliance for your specific property
2. Obtain required permits and licenses before listing any property
3. Establish tax collection and remittance procedures with appropriate government agencies
4. Maintain ongoing compliance with all regulatory requirements
5. Monitor regulatory changes that may affect STR operations

Disclaimer: This guide is based on publicly available information as of 2025. Regulations may change, and specific property circumstances may require additional or different compliance measures. Always verify current requirements with official government sources and consider consulting with local legal or regulatory experts before making investment decisions.