Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Fresno?

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in Fresno, though state and county regulations may still apply. You still need to obtain a City Business Tax Certificate from the city's Finance Department. Make sure to check with the city directly for current regulations.

What is the TOT tax rate in Fresno?

**12%** is the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rate required for short-term rentals in Fresno. You need to collect this tax from guests for all stays under 31 days. While platforms like Airbnb may handle collection, it is your responsibility to ensure proper remittance to the city.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Fresno?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally allowed in Fresno, as the city does not currently have specific ordinances restricting them. However, you are expected to comply with all general business regulations, noise ordinances, and waste disposal rules. Always confirm current regulations with the city.

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Fresno?

**Penalties** can include fines and legal action. You need to ensure you have a business tax certificate and that all transient occupancy taxes are collected and remitted. Even though there is no STR-specific ordinance, you must comply with standard city business regulations.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Fresno?

**Yes**, renters can host on Airbnb in Fresno, provided they comply with all applicable regulations. You need to ensure you obtain the necessary business tax certificate and collect/remit the 12% TOT. Renters should also review their lease agreements to ensure hosting is permitted.

Fresno, CA Short-Term Rental Laws &...

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Verified: Jan 30, 2026

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Summary

The City of Fresno currently has no dedicated ordinance specifically regulating short-term rentals. Hosts are generally required to obtain a City Business Tax Certificate and must collect and remit a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on all stays under 31 days.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 3 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Reporting required
•No STR-specific permit required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in Fresno, you don't need a specific 'Short-Term Rental Permit' because the city hasn't passed a law for them yet. However, you are still considered a business, so you should get a standard Business Tax Certificate from the city's Finance Department. You must also make sure the 12% hotel tax (TOT) is being paid on every booking; while Airbnb often collects this for you, you are still responsible for ensuring the city receives it. Always follow local noise and trash rules to avoid complaints, as there are no specific STR 'protections' in the city code.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Verify if you are in the City of Fresno or an Unincorporated area of Fresno County, as rules differ.
2.No specific STR permit exists, but a general Business Tax Certificate is required.
3.The TOT rate is 12% and applies to any stay shorter than 31 consecutive days.
4.Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) built recently may be prohibited from short-term rental use under CA state law or local covenant.
5.Multi-family buildings may have stricter fire code requirements for 'transient' occupants.
6.Noise complaints are the primary trigger for city enforcement against STR hosts.
7.The city does not currently limit the number of nights you can rent out your home.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

•Fresno allows STRs in the following property types: Private home, Vacation cabin, Dwelling units.
•Fresno prohibits STRs in the following property types: Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts (regulated separately).
•Fresno: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(13)

•Fresno STR warning: You must obtain a Zone Clearance BEFORE applying for the STR permit.
•Fresno: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.
•Fresno STR warning: The city requires a pro-active inspection of the property to ensure safety compliance.
•Fresno: Permits must be renewed annually on the anniversary of issuance.

Application Process(8)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Fresno: Step 1: Obtain Zone Clearance - Contact the Planning & Development Department at City Hall (Room 3043) to verify the property is zoned correctly for a short-term rental business. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. More info: https://lmsaca.fresno.gov/citizenAccess Step 2: Apply for STR Permit - Submit the Short Term Rental Permit Application to the Business Tax Division with the required application and permit fees. Documents needed: Zone Clearance approval, Ownership documentation, Site plan. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 50. More info: https://www.fresno.gov/finance/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Short-Term-Rental-Permit-App.pdf Step 3: Register for TOT - Establish a TOT account with the Finance Department for monthly reporting and remittance of the 12% TOT and 2% TBID. More info: https://www.fresno.gov/finance/business-license-tax-certificate/

Fees & Costs(1)

•Fresno charges a registration fee of $50 (one_time). Extended/additional fee: $25 (Annual renewal fee is $25. Initial total is $50 ($25 application fee + $25 permit fee).).

Taxes(2)

•Fresno: Airbnb and Vrbo collect the 12% TOT, but hosts may still be responsible for the 2% TBID tax.
•Fresno charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 12%. This applies to stays under 31 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb (as of March 2024) and Vrbo (as of Sept 2024) have Voluntary Collection Agreements (VCA) to remit 12% TOT.

Limits & Restrictions(3)

•Fresno limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
•Fresno occupancy calculation: Occupancy limits are generally subject to health and safety codes during inspection.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Fresno enforces quiet hours: Subject to general city nuisance and noise ordinances..

Safety Requirements(2)

•Fresno: The city requires a pro-active inspection of the property to ensure safety compliance.
•Fresno requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, Unobstructed emergency exits, Compliance with electrical, plumbing, and building codes.

Penalties(3)

•Fresno enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $100. Second offense: $200. Third offense: $500. Daily fine: Each day of violation is a separate offense. Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.
•Fresno: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.

Exemptions(3)

•Fresno: Properties rented for 30 days or less per year are exempt from TOT remittance but still require a permit.
•Fresno exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Properties rented for 30 days or less per year are exempt from TOT collection per administrative determination..

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched 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.

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

California

Strict

The City of Los Angeles requires all short-term rental hosts to register for a Home-Sharing permit and only permits the rental of one's primary residence. Stays are capped at 120 days per year unless an Extended Home-Sharing permit is obtained, and rentals in RSO-regulated buildings or newer ADUs are strictly prohibited.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Anaheim

California

Prohibited

Short-term rentals in Anaheim are strictly limited to approximately 277 'pre-moratorium' operators who were grandfathered in 2019. The city currently prohibits the issuance of any new STR permits. Allowed operators must follow rigid 'Good Neighbor' policies, enforce a 3-night minimum stay, and pay a 15% Transient Occupancy Tax.

Permit required

15.0% total tax

Mammoth Lakes

California

Moderate

Short-term rentals are heavily regulated in Mammoth Lakes and generally restricted to multi-family and resort zones (RMF-2, Resort, etc.). Hosts must obtain an STR Certificate and a Business Tax Certificate, and pay a total TOT rate of 13%. Stays of 31 days or longer are exempt from these regulations.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Big Bear Lake

California

Strict

The City of Big Bear Lake regulates short-term rentals under Chapter 5.44, requiring an annual license, rigorous safety inspections, and a strict guest limit of 2 per bedroom plus 2. Owners are limited to 2 licenses total and must remit a 9% combined TOT and TBID tax quarterly.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Fresno

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

Requirements(13)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(3)

Safety Requirements(2)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(3)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Other California Markets

Los Angeles

Anaheim

Mammoth Lakes

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Fresno

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Fresno?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Fresno?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Fresno?

4What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Fresno?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Fresno?

Related Content

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

Anaheim

Mammoth Lakes

Big Bear Lake