Overview: Are short‑term rentals allowed in Guadalupe, CA?

Explicit answer: Yes—short-term rentals are allowed in Guadalupe, California, but they are regulated. The City adopted Ordinance No. 2022‑497 (effective after second reading on Jan 25, 2022), which establishes a two‑tier framework:

• Hosted STRs (owner lives on-site between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.) are permitted subject to registration, business licensing, and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) compliance.
• Unhosted STRs (owner not present overnight) are permitted only with an Administrative Use Permit (AUP), are limited to 120 days of operation per calendar year, and must meet enhanced operational requirements (on‑site parking, security cameras, local contact, and stricter quiet/curfew rules).

The City identified 10–12 active STRs at the time the ordinance was adopted and expects growth; the rules aim to control nuisances while preserving the option to operate. The City also notes that a future ban is legally possible, and any such ban would likely include a reasonable wind‑down period to mitigate legal risk.

How to start a short‑term rental business in Guadalupe

• Decide your operating model:
  • Hosted STR: you reside on-site between 10 p.m.–6 a.m. each day of guest stays.
  • Unhosted STR: you are not present overnight; you must obtain an AUP.
• Confirm zoning and property constraints with the Planning Department to ensure STR use is compatible with the property’s zoning and any homeowner association or recorded covenants.
• Apply for and obtain a City business license (Finance Department handles licensing and TOT).
• If unhosted, submit an Administrative Use Permit (AUP) application to Planning. Do not launch unhosted operations until the AUP is approved.
• Register your STR with the City as required by the ordinance.
• Set up Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection and remittance. If a hosting platform (e.g., Airbnb/VRBO) collects and remits TOT on your behalf, you may not need to collect separately; confirm with Finance.
• Install required equipment and policies for compliance:
  • For unhosted: on‑site parking only; exterior security cameras covering entries; designated local contact; quiet hours and outdoor‑space curfews.
• Build compliant house rules into your listing and guest communications (noise, parking, occupancy, camera disclosure, outdoor-use times).
• Maintain records for permits, business license, TOT filings, guest logs, and any AUP conditions.
• Use the City’s three‑month grace period (from ordinance effective date) to come into full compliance; for current operators, compliance should already be in place as the grace period has passed.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• City business license (Finance Department)
• STR registration with the City (as required by the ordinance)
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) setup; confirm platform collection vs. owner collection
• For unhosted STRs: Administrative Use Permit (AUP) approved by Planning
• Compliance equipment/policies:
  • On‑site parking only (unhosted)
  • Exterior security cameras monitoring entries (unhosted)
  • Designated local contact available to respond to issues (unhosted)
  • Quiet hours: 10 p.m.–6 a.m.
  • Outdoor‑space curfews: 9 p.m. Sun–Thu; 10 p.m. Fri–Sat (unhosted)
• Operational limits:
  • Unhosted STRs: max 120 days of operation per calendar year
  • No operator may hold/operate more than one STR within the City
• Grace period: three months from the effective date of the ordinance to achieve compliance (now passed; all operators should be compliant)

Specific regulations (city, county, and state)

City of Guadalupe (Ordinance No. 2022‑497)

• Definition and scope:
  • Short‑Term Rental: residential rental for fewer than 30 consecutive days.
  • Hosted vs. unhosted distinctions based on overnight presence (10 p.m.–6 a.m.).
• Allowed uses:
  • Hosted STRs permitted with registration, business license, and TOT compliance.
  • Unhosted STRs permitted only with an approved AUP and subject to operational limits and requirements.
• caps and limits:
  • Unhosted STRs: 120 days per calendar year.
  • One STR per operator within the City.
• Operational requirements (unhosted):
  • On‑site parking only; no street parking for guests.
  • Outdoor security cameras monitoring all entries.
  • Designated local contact to liaise with law enforcement.
  • Quiet hours: 10 p.m.–6 a.m.
  • Outdoor‑space use curfews: 9 p.m. Sundays–Thursdays; 10 p.m. Fridays–Saturdays.
• Taxes:
  • Collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) unless a hosting platform does so on your behalf.
• Enforcement and future policy:
  • The City Council has the authority to tighten or ban STRs in the future. If a ban is enacted, a reasonable wind‑down period is advised to reduce legal risk.

Santa Barbara County context (for comparison)

• In 2017, Santa Barbara County banned short‑term rentals in unincorporated residential areas. Guadalupe is an incorporated city; its rules apply within city limits, and the County ban does not directly govern City operations.

State of California

• Transient Occupancy Tax: California municipalities may levy TOT on STRs; platforms often collect and remit. Hosts must ensure proper registration and tax compliance.
• General health and safety: STRs must comply with state and local fire, building, and safety codes.
• Platform regulations and tax remittance: Platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO are active in the region and frequently handle TOT collection; however, hosts remain responsible for compliance with all City requirements.

Contact information (local authority for STRs)

• City of Guadalupe (General/Admin): 805‑343‑1340 | info@ci.guadalupe.ca.us | cityofguadalupe.org
• City Administrator: 805‑343‑1340 | info@ci.guadalupe.ca.us
• City Clerk: 805‑343‑1340 | info@ci.guadalupe.ca.us
• Finance Department (Business License, TOT): 805‑343‑1340 | info@ci.guadalupe.ca.us
• Planning Department (AUP, zoning): 805‑343‑1340 | info@ci.guadalupe.ca.us
• Building Department (Permits/inspections): 805‑343‑1340 | info@ci.guadalupe.ca.us
• Police Department (non‑emergency): 805‑343‑4311
• Fire Department: 805‑343‑2114

Note: For direct emails beyond the general inbox, consult the City’s website contact listings. Municipal contact information can change; verify before formal filings.

Source links

• Santa Maria Times news coverage of Guadalupe’s STR ordinance: santamariatimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/guadalupe-adopts-stricter-rules-for-short-term-rentals/article_64029351-b0aa-5f55-ae4b-8df2af7fe774.html
• City of Guadalupe ordinance page (Ordinance No. 2022‑497): cityofguadalupe.org/ordinance-no-2022-497-regulating-short-term-rentals-1-25-2022/
• Direct PDF of Ordinance No. 2022‑497: cityofguadalupe.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Ordinance-No.-2022-497-Regulating-Short-Term-Rentals-1-25-2022.pdf

This guide is informational and does not constitute legal advice. Investors should confirm current requirements with the City prior to acquisition or operation.