Suisun City, California Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

(Prepared for investors who need a clear, step‑by‑step roadmap to launch and operate a legal short‑term rental in this market.)

1. OVERVIEW – Are Short‑Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes.

County Level – Solano County: The County’s Short‑Term Lodging program permits “temporary occupancy of a lodging facility or dwelling … for 30 consecutive calendar days or less” in the unincorporated portions of the county. Operators must obtain a permit, a Business License, and a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate before listing.
City Level – Suisun City (incorporated): The city’s publicly‑available housing‑element document (2023‑2031) does not contain a separate short‑term‑rental ordinance. Consequently, the city currently follows state law and relies on the county’s permitting system for unincorporated areas. In practice, STR operators inside Suisun City will:
1. Comply with the County’s Short‑Term Lodging rules (permit + business license + TOT registration).
2. Obtain a City business license (standard municipal licensing for any short‑term‑rental business – check with City Hall for current requirements).

Bottom‑Line: Short‑term rentals of 30 days or fewer are permitted in Suisun City, but you must satisfy the County’s permitting, licensing, and tax‑collection framework, and you should also secure the City’s business license.

2. HOW TO START A SHORT‑TERM RENTAL BUSINESS IN THIS MARKET

| Step | Action | Who / Where | Details | |------|--------|-------------|---------| | 1. Confirm Location | Determine whether the property is in the City of Suisun (incorporated) or in unincorporated Solano County. | • City limits are shown on the Suisun City GIS map. • County zoning maps are on the County Planning Services site. | The permitting pathway differs only in that City‑located properties must also obtain a City business license. | | 2. Choose Facility Type | Identify whether the STR will be: • Resident‑occupied (owner lives on site, renting a room or attached ADU) or • Non‑resident‑occupied (whole‑home, detached STR). | County’s “Short‑Term Lodging” page lists two application categories. | The required permit type (and sometimes fees) varies by category. | | 3. Review Zoning & Use‑Standards | Verify that the property’s zoning permits transient lodging. | • County Planning Services (707‑784‑6765). • City Development Services (contact City Hall). | Most residential zones in the county allow STRs; however, confirm any district‑specific restrictions (e.g., historic overlays). | | 4. Prepare Required Documentation | Assemble the packet listed in Section 3. | Yourself – see checklist below. | Accurate, legible copies speed processing. | | 5. Submit Permit Application | County Short‑Term Lodging Permit (choose “Resident‑occupied” or “Non‑resident‑occupied”). | Solano County Planning Services Phone: 707‑784‑6765 Email: planning@SolanoCounty.gov | Permit forms are available on the County website (see links). | | 6. Obtain Business License | County Business License (if required for unincorporated STR) or City Business License for Suisun City properties. | • County: Same as permit submission. • City: Suisun City Development Services Department (contact City Hall for current phone/email). | License fees and renewal cycles differ; verify directly with the issuing agency. | | 7. Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) | Submit TOT Certificate application to the County Tax Collector. | Solano County Auditor‑Controller’s Office (see County website). | TOT is a percentage of gross rental revenue (the County’s current rate applies; confirm the exact % before filing). | | 8. Pass Inspections (if required) | Fire, safety, or health inspections may be triggered for non‑resident‑occupied units or larger STRs. | County Building & Safety (or City Building Department if located inside city). | Ensure smoke detectors, carbon‑monoxide alarms, and posted emergency exit plans meet state codes. | | 9. Receive Final Approvals | Once the permit, license, and TOT certificate are issued, you may begin marketing and operating. | Keep all approvals on‑site and accessible for guests. | Post the County‑issued Transient Occupancy Certificate in the rental unit as required by law. | | 10. Ongoing Compliance | • Collect and remit TOT monthly/quarterly. • Renew Business License annually. • Comply with posted house rules (occupancy, noise, trash). | County & City portals for renewals. | Non‑compliance can result in fines, permit revocation, or tax penalties. |

3. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, PERMITS, LICENSES & GUIDELINES

| Required Item | Issuer | What to Provide | Typical Turn‑around* | |---------------|--------|----------------|----------------------| | Short‑Term Lodging Permit (Resident‑occupied or Non‑resident‑occupied) | Solano County Planning Services | • Completed permit application (choose facility type). • Proof of property ownership or valid lease. • Site plan/floor plan showing sleeping areas & max occupancy. • Proof of liability insurance (minimum coverage per County). | 2–4 weeks (varies with completeness of submission). | | Business License (County or City) | County (if unincorporated) or City of Suisun (if within city limits) | • Business license application. • Identification of the applicant (owner/manager). • Business name & mailing address. • Proof of TOT registration (if already obtained). | 1–2 weeks for County; 1–3 weeks for City. | | Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate | Solano County Tax Collector (Auditor‑Controller) | • Completed TOT registration form. • Business license copy (or pending application). • Contact info for monthly/quarterly

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