Overview

Short-term rentals are allowed in Ferndale, California, but they are regulated under Humboldt County's Short-Term Rental Ordinance, which was adopted on March 5, 2024. Ferndale, as a small city within Humboldt County, does not have city-specific STR regulations and operates under the county-wide framework that balances the economic benefits of STRs with community impacts on housing availability and neighborhood character.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Ferndale

Initial Steps

1. Determine Your Property Location: Confirm whether your property is within the inland or coastal zone of Humboldt County, as regulations differ slightly between these areas.

2. Review Zoning Compatibility: Ensure your property is in a zone that allows STRs under the county ordinance.

3. Assess Neighborhood Concentration: Check if there are existing permitted STRs nearby, as a Special Permit may be required if you're exceeding neighborhood concentration limits.

4. Understand Timeline Requirements:

   • Coastal Zone Properties: Applications for existing STRs can be submitted through November 24, 2025. New STR applications may be submitted 90 days after the ordinance's effective date (December 24, 2025).
   • Shelter Cove Properties: Applications for both existing and new STRs can be submitted immediately.
   • Inland Properties: Applications can be submitted now.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documentation

1. Planning Permit Application (required for all STRs)
2. Good Neighbor Guide - Fillable form demonstrating understanding of neighbor policies
3. Application Checklist - Fillable form ensuring all requirements are met
4. Property Information Package including:
   • Site plan and property boundaries
   • Proof of property ownership
   • Detailed property description and amenities
   • Parking arrangements
   • Maximum occupancy calculations

Permits and Licenses

1. Administrative Permit (created under the new ordinance)
2. Special Permit (potentially required if exceeding neighborhood concentration limits)
3. Coastal Development Permit (for properties in the coastal zone)

Compliance Requirements

• Life Safety Compliance: Properties must meet International Property Maintenance Code standards
• Maximum Occupancy Standards: Based on bedroom count and square footage
• Insurance Requirements: Comprehensive liability coverage
• Tax Registration: Transient Occupancy Tax registration may be required

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Humboldt County STR Ordinance (Effective March 5, 2024)

Inland Regulations (HCC Section 314-60.05)

• Permit Type: Administrative Permit required
• Neighborhood Concentration Limits: Maximum number of STRs per block/specific area
• Special Permit Requirement: May be needed to exceed neighborhood concentration limits when existing STRs are present
• Operating Standards: Compliance with established operational requirements

Coastal Regulations

• Coastal Commission Certification: The Coastal STR Ordinance has been certified by the California Coastal Commission (effective September 24, 2025)
• Application Timeline:
  • Existing STRs: Application deadline November 24, 2025
  • New STRs: Applications accepted after December 24, 2025 (90 days after effective date)
• Special Exemptions: Immediate application acceptance for:
  • Farm stays
  • Properties listed on local, state, or federal historic registry
  • Home-share rentals
  • STRs rented for 60 consecutive days or fewer per year (with long-term housing occupation for remainder)

Operational Standards

• Maximum Occupancy: Based on bedroom count and safety standards
• Parking Requirements: Must meet established parking standards
• Noise Limitations: Must comply with noise ordinances
• Property Maintenance: Required to maintain properties to International Property Maintenance Code standards
• Life Safety Equipment: Smoke detectors, handrails, guardrails, operable windows required

Enforcement and Violations

• Permit Suspension: Administrative permit suspension standards established
• Code Enforcement: Violation reporting and enforcement procedures
• Violation Consequences: Potential permit revocation for serious or repeated violations

California State Regulations

• Transient Occupancy Tax: Collection and remittance requirements
• Business License: General business operation requirements
• Health and Safety Code Compliance: Property maintenance and safety standards
• Americans with Disabilities Act: Accessibility considerations where applicable

Contact Information for Local Authority

Humboldt County Planning and Building Department

Primary Contact:

• Phone: (707) 445-7541
• Email: planningbuilding@co.humboldt.ca.us
• Physical Address: 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501
• Website: humboldtgov.org/3387/Short-Term-Rental-Ordinance

Permit Application:

• Apply for Planning Permit: humboldtgov.org/3474/Apply-for-a-Planning-Permit

Code Violations:

• Report Code Violations: humboldtgov.org/DocumentCenter/View/185/Code-Complaint-Form-PDF

Staff Directory: humboldtgov.org/directory.aspx

California Department of Housing and Community Development

• Website: www.hcd.ca.gov/
• For housing element compliance and state housing law inquiries

Links to Source Pages

Primary Regulations

• Humboldt County Short-Term Rental Ordinance Main Page
• Inland STR Regulations - HCC Section 314-60.05
• Neighborhood Concentration Standards - 314-60.05.10.6

Application Resources

• Apply for Planning Permit
• Coastal Short-term Rental Ordinance
• Good Neighbor Guide - Fillable
• Application Checklist - Fillable
• Frequently Asked Questions

Supporting Documents

• Coastal STR Ordinance Amendment 03/11/2025
• Chapter 2 Administration, Procedures, Amendments and Enforcement

City of Ferndale Housing Context

• Ferndale Housing Element 2019-2027

Code Violation Reporting

• Code Complaint Form

Important Note for STR Investors: Before proceeding with any STR investment in Ferndale, California, consult directly with Humboldt County Planning and Building Department to confirm current regulations, neighborhood concentration limits, and any recent updates to the STR ordinance. The county's regulations are the governing authority for STR operations in Ferndale, as the city does not maintain separate STR regulations.