STR Compliance Guide: Rohnert Park, CA

Overview: STR Legality in Rohnert Park

Short-term rentals are explicitly permitted in Rohnert Park for single-room rentals only. Whole house rentals and Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) STRs are prohibited. The city mandates a rigorous permitting process through an Administrative Use Permit, Business License, and Transient Occupancy Tax registration.

How to Start an STR Business in Rohnert Park

1. Administrative Use Permit (AUP): Submit application through the Planning Division
2. Business License: Obtain after AUP approval
3. TOT Registration: Complete Transient Occupancy Tax documentation
4. Compliance Setup:
   • Acquire liability insurance
   • Install smoke/CO alarms
   • Prepare guest information packets

Required Documents, Permits & Guidelines

| Requirement | Details | Source | |-------------|---------|--------| | Administrative Use Permit | Zoning and Land Use Application signed by property owner | Application PDF | | Business License | Required post-AUP approval | City Licensing Division | | TOT Registration | Monthly tax filings at 12% of rental fees | City Revenue Division | | Liability Insurance | Mandatory coverage for STR operations | City Planning Requirements | | Smoke/CO Alarm Verification | Self-certification required | Alarm Self-Verification | | AUP Fee | One-time administrative review fee | City Fee Schedule |

City-Specific STR Regulations

• Allowed Use: Single room rentals only
• Prohibited: Whole house rentals, ADUs
• Maximum Stay: 14 consecutive days
• Neighboring Property Notices: 10-day notice required before AUP action
• Signage: No exterior signage permitted
• Advertisement Requirements: Must include city-issued permit # and business license #
• Insurance: Continuous liability coverage mandatory
• Permit Revocation: Possible under Chapter 17.25 Article XIV of Municipal Code

County-Level STR Context (Sonoma County)

Note: County regulations apply to unincorporated areas and differ from Rohnert Park's rules:

• Hosted Rentals: Allowed with permit (owner-present)
• Vacation Rentals: Permitted in designated zones
• TOT Rate: 12% (same as city)
• Exclusion Zones: Certain areas prohibited (check county map)

Key Contact Information

| Department | Contact | |------------|---------| | Rohnert Park Planning | 707-588-2235 | | Rohnert Park Business Licensing | 707-588-2226 | | Sonoma County STR Permits | PRMD-VacationRentals@sonomacounty.gov<br>Phone: 707-565-1932 | | Non-Emergency Public Safety | 707-584-2600 | | Suspicious Activity Reporting | 707-584-2677 |

Source Documents

1. Rohnert Park STR Handout (PDF)
2. Sonoma County STR Policy Positions
3. Permit Sonoma STR Resources