Santa Barbara
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Santa barbara
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STR Regulations for Santa barbara
Short-Term Rental Guide for Santa Barbara, CA
Overview of STR Regulations
Short-term rentals (STRs) are STRICTLY LIMITED in Santa Barbara:
- PROHIBITED in most residential areas of the city
- ALLOWED only in commercial areas zoned for hotels
- Permitted in some coastal areas due to a 2021 California appeals court ruling
Legality and Zoning
Permitted Locations
- Commercial zones designated for hotels (view specific map at: https://santabarbara.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=0c3a389f1de645319b10e95a206b32b4))
- Select coastal areas
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) with proper permits
Prohibited Locations
- Most inland residential neighborhoods
- Residential zones not specifically approved for STRs
Starting a Short-Term Rental Business
Required Steps
- Verify zoning eligibility for your specific property
- Obtain a business tax certificate from the city
- Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection
- Comply with all municipal and state regulations
Key Requirements
- Business License: Mandatory for all STR operators
- Transient Occupancy Tax: 12% must be collected and remitted monthly
- Zoning Compliance: Must meet specific land use regulations
Enforcement and Penalties
Current Enforcement Program
- Pilot program launched August 2023
- Investigations of over 150 STRs to date
- 25 court cases filed
- $596,000 collected in back taxes, fees, and penalties
Potential Penalties
- Maximum fine: $1,000 per violation
- Potential criminal charges
- Up to six months in jail
Tax Obligations
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
- 12% tax on rental charges for stays under 30 days
- Hosts responsible for collection and remittance
- Neither Airbnb nor Vrbo currently collect taxes in Santa Barbara
Contact Information
Short-Term Rental Enforcement
- STR Hotline: (805) 897-1934
- Mailing Address: Santa Barbara City Attorney STR PO Box 1990 Santa Barbara, CA 93102
- Fax: 805-564-5426
Additional Resources
- City of Santa Barbara Business Licensing: https://santabarbaraca.gov/business/business-licensing
- Code Compliance: https://santabarbaraca.gov/CodeCompliance
Important Recommendations
- Verify property eligibility before investing
- Consult local legal and tax professionals
- Carefully review all municipal codes and regulations
- Maintain meticulous records of rentals and tax collections
Disclaimer
Regulations are subject to change. Always confirm current requirements with official city sources.
Photos of Santa barbara
Overview of Santa barbara
Santa Barbara, located on the central California coast, is a picturesque city known for its Mediterranean climate, stunning architecture, and coastal beauty. As of the latest census, the city has a population of approximately 88,000 residents. Santa Barbara is situated about 95 miles (153 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles, making it a convenient getaway for residents of the larger metropolitan area.
Key landmarks in Santa Barbara include:
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Stearns Wharf: This historic pier offers shopping, dining, and enchanting views of the coastline. Stearns Wharf
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Mission Santa Barbara: Known as the "Queen of the Missions," this historic 1786 mission features a museum, church, and beautiful gardens. Mission Santa Barbara
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Santa Barbara County Courthouse: A stunning example of Spanish-Colonial Revival architecture, the courthouse boasts a beautiful mural room and a clock tower with panoramic views of the city. Santa Barbara County Courthouse
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Santa Barbara Museum of Art: Home to a significant collection of American, Asian, and European art. Santa Barbara Museum of Art
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Lotusland: A unique 37-acre botanical garden located in the Montecito neighborhood. Lotusland
For those interested in short-term rentals, Santa Barbara's appeal includes its beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and well-preserved historical architecture, making it a desirable destination for vacationers.