Step 1
Verify Property Eligibility
Ensure the property is not an ADU permitted after Jan 1, 2020, and check if the current city-wide cap of 100 units has been reached.
1-3 daysFree
Documents needed
- Proof of ownership
- Property records
Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.
The City of Arcata regulates short-term rentals through a Short-Stay and Vacation Rental (SSVR) permit program with a city-wide cap on non-owner-occupied units.
To run a short-term rental in Arcata, you must obtain both a city business license and a specific SSVR permit, which includes a safety inspection. While owner-occupied rentals are generally exempt from the 100-unit city-wide cap, any accessory dwelling units (ADUs) built after January 1, 2020, are strictly prohibited from being used as short-term rentals.
Step-by-step guide for Arcata
Ensure the property is not an ADU permitted after Jan 1, 2020, and check if the current city-wide cap of 100 units has been reached.
Apply for a standard business license with the City of Arcata Finance Department.
Complete the Short-Stay and Vacation Rental application via the city's online portal.
Schedule and pass a city-conducted safety inspection to ensure compliance with building and fire codes.
Register for Transient Occupancy Tax collection and prepare for quarterly reporting.
Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.
Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM