Executive Overview: STR Status in Fortuna, CA

Short-term rentals are allowed in Fortuna, California under Humboldt County regulations. However, they are subject to strict permitting requirements, caps on the number of permits, and comprehensive operational standards. The regulations are relatively new and were implemented to balance tourism economic benefits with housing stock protection and neighborhood quality preservation.

Fortuna is located within the Greater Humboldt Bay Short-Term Rental Cap Area, which limits STR permits to 2% of the housing stock within the Fortuna Community Plan Area (CPA). This creates a competitive environment where permits are limited and applications are carefully reviewed.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Fortuna

Step 1: Eligibility Assessment

Before pursuing an STR permit in Fortuna, verify that your property meets these basic eligibility criteria:

Allowed Property Types:

• Dwelling units in zoning districts where residential use is a permitted use
• Properties must be "permitted or legal nonconforming" structures
• Single-family homes, duplexes, and multifamily dwellings are eligible

Prohibited Property Types:

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) permitted after January 1, 2020
• Dwellings on lots approved under SB 9 (California H.O.M.E. Act)
• Properties with recorded covenants limiting use to affordable housing
• Alternative Owner Builder (AOB) dwellings (with limited exceptions)

Step 2: Determine Permit Type and Requirements

Administrative Permit: Most STRs will require an Administrative Permit if they meet all applicable standards.

Special Permit: Required if seeking exceptions to Standards #5-#10 of the regulations or if proposing multiple STRs on one parcel.

Step 3: Application Process

Submit applications through the City of Fortuna permit portal. The application must include:

1. Current grant deed for the subject parcel
2. Good Neighbor Guide with required content
3. Affidavit confirming delivery of Good Neighbor Guide to neighbors
4. Property owner consent (if applicant is not the owner)
5. Evidence of operator occupancy (for home-share rentals with 2 or fewer bedrooms)
6. Access route information (if seeking Special Permit)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Permits and Licenses Required

Humboldt County Short-Term Rental Permit:

• Administrative or Special Permit required
• Application submitted through City of Fortuna portal
• Valid for 2 years, renewable with continued operation statement

Humboldt County Business License:

• Required for all STR operators
• Must remain active throughout STR operation
• Obtained through Humboldt County Tax Collector

Certificate of Occupancy:

• Required for all dwelling units used as STRs
• Must verify building code compliance for intended occupancy

Compliance Documentation

Good Neighbor Guide must include:

• Local property manager contact information
• Emergency response procedures
• Parking location information
• Permit standards summary
• Safety manual with evacuation routes
• Traffic etiquette guidelines

Health and Safety Compliance:

• Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors
• Potable water supply verification
• Sewage/septic system compliance
• Emergency exit information

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Cap Limitations

Greater Humboldt Bay Area Cap:

• Fortuna CPA limited to 2% of local housing stock
• Additional 2% cap applies to each individual Community Plan Area
• Farm stays and historic properties exempt from cap

Existing Operations Priority:

• Properties operating prior to October 26, 2023, receive priority application consideration
• New permits subject to availability within cap limits

Operational Standards

Per Parcel Limits:

• One STR per legal parcel (with specific exceptions)
• Multiple STRs may be permitted if more than 1,000 feet from nearest residence
• Home-share exemptions for operator-occupied units

Neighborhood Concentration:

• Maximum 10% of dwellings on access road
• No other STR within 600 feet (for high-density areas)
• Maximum 20% of dwellings on access road (for low-density areas)

Occupancy Limits:

• Maximum 2 guests per bedroom plus 1 additional guest
• Children under 12 excluded from count
• Private gatherings limited to 2x maximum occupancy

Noise Restrictions:

• 65 dB from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• 60 dB from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
• Noise sensor requirement following complaints

Parking Requirements:

• One off-street parking space per rented bedroom
• Legal on-street parking may count toward minimum

Prohibited Activities

Private Gatherings:

• No parties, weddings, receptions, or special events
• Gatherings limited to twice maximum occupancy, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. only

Property Restrictions:

• No on-site advertising signage
• No STR operation on properties with active violations
• Weekly trash, recycling, and compost disposal required

Permit Transfer and Ownership Limits

Non-Transferable Permits:

• STR permits cannot be transferred between property owners
• Ownership changes require new permit application

Individual Ownership Limits:

• Maximum 3 parcels with STR permits per individual or business

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Fortuna Community Development Department

Physical Address: 621 11th Street Fortuna, CA 95540

Phone Numbers:

• Main Line: (707) 725-7600
• Building Division Direct: (707) 725-1407
• Planning Division: Contact through main line

Online Resources:

• City Website: www.friendlyfortuna.com/
• Permit Portal: fortunaca.viewpointcloud.com/
• Business License Application: fortunaca.portal.opengov.com/

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Closed Friday and holidays

Humboldt County Planning and Building Department

Physical Address: 3015 H Street Eureka, CA 95501

Phone: (707) 445-7236

County Website: humboldtgov.org/

Humboldt County Tax Collector

Business License and Transient Occupancy Tax

Physical Address: 825 5th Street, Room 100 Eureka, CA 95501

Phone: (707) 445-7633

Website: Contact through main Humboldt County site

Source Pages

1. Humboldt County Code Section 314-60 - Short-Term Rentals

   • humboldt.county.codes/Code/314-60

2. Draft Short-term Rental Ordinance (August 2023)

   • humboldtgov.org/DocumentCenter/View/119721/Draft-Short-term-Rental-Ordinance_inland-81023

3. City of Fortuna Community Development Resources & Forms

   • www.friendlyfortuna.com/departments/community_development/resources_forms.php

4. Fortuna Municipal Code - Chapter 17.06

   • www.codepublishing.com/CA/Fortuna/html/Fortuna17/Fortuna1706.html

---

Important Notes for Investors:

• The STR market in Fortuna operates under strict regulatory controls designed to balance economic development with housing availability
• The 2% cap creates a limited permit environment where existing operators have priority
• Compliance with Good Neighbor requirements and operational standards is crucial for permit retention
• Properties near sensitive residential areas face additional concentration restrictions
• The regulatory framework is relatively new and may be subject to future amendments

This guide reflects current regulations as of the provided content. Investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions.