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Labor Day Holiday Observed Sept. 7 | Día del Trabajo observado el 7 de sept.

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Photo of apartments in the West Beach neighborhood
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Draft Ordinances for Short-Term Rentals at Planning Commission

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On September 15, 2026, the City Council will consider the long-awaited ordinances to regulate short-term vacation rentals (STRs) throughout the City.  These new laws aim to incentivize long-term housing over transitory use as directed by City Council and outlined in Program HE-19 of the City’s 2023-2031 Housing Element. The City has considered regulations for these uses for over ten years, including public hearings by City Council, the Planning Commission and the City Council Ordinance Committee since August 2025. 

The new chapters to Title 30 (Inland Zoning Ordinance) and Title 28 (Coastal Zoning Ordinance) create a licensing process and operational standards for Short-Term Rentals (rental of a non-hosted whole residential unit ) and Homeshares (rental of a portion of a residence with the owner or primary tenant present).  These standards will help property owners, residents, and visitors know where vacation rentals are legally allowed and how they can be operated. 

The Ordinance Committee will hold a special meeting at 11:30 a.m. in Council Chambers. The staff report and draft ordinances are available on the City Council hearing page. 

Visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/STROD for early posting of the draft ordinances and an interactive map to view the proposed STR license area map and related information, and to subscribe to receive status updates. 

Email questions to STROD@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.