Santa Barbara County

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%.

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.