Short-Term Rental Ordinances at Planning Commission

On March 5, 2026, the Planning Commission will be considering a recommendation to City Council on adoption of 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 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 Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and make a recommendation to City Council regarding these new laws. The staff report and draft ordinances will be available on the Planning Commission hearing page one week prior to the hearing 

Visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/STROD for more information about the draft ordinances, to view the proposed STR license area map and related information, and to subscribe to receive status updates.   

Email questions to STROD@santabarbaraca.gov.