Forensically verified with 3+ official sources
Short-term rentals in unincorporated Santa Barbara County are heavily regulated and restricted primarily to the Coastal Zone. Following the passage of Measure S in 2024, the tax rate for these stays has increased to 12%.
Score: 25 (restrictive)
If you're looking to rent out your property for short periods in Santa Barbara County, the rules depend on where your property is located. Within the City of Santa Barbara, it's generally difficult to operate a short-term rental unless it's in a specific commercial or coastal zone. In the unincorporated areas of the county, you might be able to do a 'homestay' where you live on the property while renting it out, or a short-term rental in certain zones, but you'll need to check the specific zoning and get the right permits. Always confirm whether your property falls under city or county jurisdiction to understand the applicable rules.
Permit Required
Yes
Night Limit
None
Primary Residence
Not Required
Total Tax Rate
0.1%
Permit Fee
$1,150
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
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 Details may be outdated or incomplete.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