Forensically verified with 3+ official sources
Short-term rentals in unincorporated Mendocino County (Vacation Home Rentals) require a specific VHR permit and a county business license. Hosts must collect and remit a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax on all stays of 30 days or less.
Score: 10 (restrictive)
To host an Airbnb in unincorporated Mendocino County, you first need to check if your property is eligible; notably, ADUs built after 2017 are usually prohibited from being used as short-term rentals. You must apply for a Vacation Home Rental (VHR) permit through the Planning Department and obtain a local business license. Once approved, you are required to collect a 10% tax from guests and send it to the county every quarter, even if your booking platform also collects taxes. You must also designate a local contact person who can respond to complaints within a short timeframe.
Permit Required
Yes
Night Limit
None
Primary Residence
Not Required
Total Tax Rate
0.1%
Permit Fee
$530
Processing Time
30-60 days
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 Details may be outdated or incomplete.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.
Researched and verified by Learn STR by GoStudioM