Upcoming Short-Term Rental Ordinances at City Council
On October 6, 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 staff report and ordinances are available on the City Council hearing page on the Thursday prior to the hearing.
Visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/STROD to review the draft ordinances and an interactive map of the proposed STR license area and related information, and to subscribe to receive status updates.
Email questions to STROD@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.
Short-Term Rental Ordinances at City Council
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Begins at 2:00 p.m.
City Hall, Council Chambers (735 Anacapa St.)