Are short-term rentals allowed in St. Helena?

**No**, short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in the City of St. Helena, per Municipal Code Chapter 17.124. The city does not issue new permits for short-term rentals. Only a very small number of 'legacy' tourist homes that existed prior to 2012 are permitted to operate, so you should avoid listing your home. *(57 words)*

What is the TOT tax rate in St. Helena?

**14% TOT** is the transient occupancy tax rate that applies to rentals in St. Helena. Even though short-term rentals are prohibited, this tax applies to rentals of 30 days or longer. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the city. Check with the city for details. *(53 words)*

Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in St. Helena?

**No**, new short-term rental permits are not issued in St. Helena. The City of St. Helena prohibits short-term rentals (rentals less than 30 days), so there is no permitting process for new rentals. Only a limited number of 'legacy' tourist homes that existed prior to 2012 are grandfathered in. *(51 words)*

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in St. Helena?

**The City actively monitors** and fines properties found listed for short-term stays. Because short-term rentals are prohibited in St. Helena, operating one could result in significant fines and legal action. Always confirm local regulations with the city planning department before listing any property for rent. *(50 words)*

Can renters host on Airbnb in St. Helena?

**No**, because short-term rentals are prohibited in St. Helena, renters are not permitted to list properties on Airbnb or other platforms for stays less than 30 days. The city's regulations focus on property owners, but lease agreements might also restrict subletting. Check your lease agreement and local regulations before hosting. *(54 words)*

St. Helena, CA Short-Term Rental... | Learn STR by GoStudioM

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Summary

Short-term rentals (less than 30 days) are PROHIBITED in the City of St. Helena per Municipal Code Chapter 17.124. Only a very small number of 'legacy' tourist homes that existed prior to 2012 are allowed to operate; no new permits are issued.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Banned in all/most residential zones
•All residential property types prohibited
•Severe night cap: 0 nights/year
•Long minimum stay: 30 nights
•Tenants cannot host
•Reporting required
•No STR-specific permit required
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in the City of St. Helena, you must rent your home for at least 31 consecutive days. Short-term rentals (less than 30 days) are strictly banned for any new hosts. The city actively monitors and fines properties found listed for short-term stays, so do not attempt to list your home for nightly stays in the city limits.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.STRICT PROHIBITION: New short-term rentals are not allowed under any circumstances.
2.30-DAY MINIMUM: Any rental must be for 31 days or more to be legal.
3.CITY VS COUNTY: This ban applies to the 'City' of St. Helena; unincorporated Napa County has different rules, but city boundaries are strictly enforced.
4.NO NEW PERMITS: Even if the owner occupies the home, 'home-sharing' is prohibited.
5.AGGRESSIVE ENFORCEMENT: St. Helena uses monitoring software to identify and fine illegal Airbnb/VRBO listings.
6.TAX LIABILITY: Even if operating illegally, the city may still demand the 14% TOT tax on top of fines.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

•St. Helena: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•St. Helena: Short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units or 'Granny Flats').
•St. Helena limits hosts to a maximum of 1 STR properties per owner.
•St. Helena does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.

Requirements(16)

•St. Helena: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.
•St. Helena STR warning: Two on-site (off-street) parking spaces must be dedicated to the rental use.
•St. Helena STR warning: You must have owned the property for at least three years prior to applying.

Application Process(9)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in St. Helena: Step 1: Verify Eligibility and Waiting List - Contact the Planning Division to verify if you are on the waiting list; the city limits permits to only 25 total. Estimated time: Years (due to 25-permit cap). More info: https://www.cityofsthelena.gov/planning/page/short-term-vacation-rentals Step 2: Submit Planning Application - When a slot opens, submit the formal STR application with required site plans and owner certification. Documents needed: Site Plan, Floor Plan, Grant Deed. Estimated time: 30-90 days. Cost: 2250. More info: https://www.cityofsthelena.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/community_development/page/1171/short_term_rental_application_checklist_amp_owner_certification.pdf Step 3: Public Hearing and Inspection - The application requires a public hearing and a mandatory fire department safety inspection. Cost: 600. Step 4: Monthly TOT Remittance - Once permitted, file monthly TOT returns and pay the 13% tax plus 2% TID assessment. Documents needed: Monthly revenue reports. Estimated time: Monthly. More info: https://www.cityofsthelena.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/finance/page/371/tot_tax_return_form_2023.pdf

Fees & Costs(1)

•St. Helena charges a registration fee of $2250 (one_time). Extended/additional fee: $600 (Public Hearing Notice Fee).

Taxes(2)

•St. Helena: The total tax rate is 15% (13% TOT + 2% TID) and must be filed monthly even if no revenue was earned.
•St. Helena charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 13%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax. Note: Hosts are generally responsible for collecting and remitting directly to the city via the monthly form.

Limits & Restrictions(7)

•St. Helena enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
•St. Helena limits STRs to a maximum of 12 guests. Formula: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2, up to 12 maximum
•St. Helena: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•St. Helena limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.

Safety Requirements(2)

•St. Helena requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Posted house policies in each bedroom, Annual fire inspection.
•St. Helena: A mandatory fire inspection is required before any rental activity can occur.

Penalties(2)

•St. Helena: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•St. Helena enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by code enforcement action. Daily fine: Varies. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

•St. Helena exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), Hotels and B&Bs regulated under separate code.
•St. Helena: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

Step-by-Step Application Guide

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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

St. Helena

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

Requirements(16)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(7)

Safety Requirements(2)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

Anaheim

Mammoth Lakes

Big Bear Lake

St. Helena

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Are short-term rentals allowed in St. Helena?

2What is the TOT tax rate in St. Helena?

3Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in St. Helena?

4What happens if I operate an illegal STR in St. Helena?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in St. Helena?

Related Content

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

Anaheim

Mammoth Lakes

Big Bear Lake