Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.
Short-term rentals in Santa Maria are regulated under general business licensing and transient occupancy tax laws rather than a dedicated STR ordinance.
To host a short-term rental in Santa Maria, you must obtain a standard city business license and register for a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate. While there isn't a specific 'vacation rental permit,' all rentals for 30 days or less are required to collect and remit a 10% tax to the city and pass a zoning verification check.
Step-by-step guide for Santa Maria
Fill out the general Business License Application and the Storm Water Form. If the rental is your home address, you must also complete the Home Occupation Form.
Submit your application to the Community Development Department, Planning Division, for zoning verification to ensure the use is permitted at your location.
Register with the Finance Department to receive your Transient Occupancy Tax registration certificate for collecting the 10% bed tax.
Pay the minimum business license fee plus the $4 state-mandated CASp fee to finalize the license.
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 Details may be outdated or incomplete.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