Monterey County vacation rental rules take effect in October
Monterey County Coastal Zone map.
– Vacation rental regulations for inland parts of unincorporated Monterey County will take effect on Oct. 14, 2024, according to Monterey County officials. However, the regulations for the county’s Coastal Zone will not be implemented until they are certified by the California Coastal Commission.
The Monterey County Board of Supervisors passed the Inland Vacation Rentals Ordinances on Aug. 27. During the same meeting, the board approved a Resolution of Intent to move forward with Coastal Vacation Rentals Ordinances, pending review and certification by the Coastal Commission.
On Sept. 10, the board adopted additional ordinances requiring annual licenses and registrations for vacation rental operators. These regulations create three categories of vacation rentals:
- Homestays: Allowed countywide, with the requirement that the property owner must remain in the home while it is rented.
- Limited Vacation Rentals: Allowed countywide, permitting a house to be rented up to three times per year.
- Commercial Vacation Rentals: Not allowed in Big Sur, Carmel Highlands, Moss Landing residential zones, and Carmel Valley residential zones. Outside these areas, Commercial Vacation Rentals are allowed with a Use Permit (Inland) or Coastal Development Permit (Coastal), permitting whole house rentals more than three times per year.
All vacation rental types require a “Vacation Rental Operator’s Permit” from the County of Monterey Housing and Community Development and registration with the Treasurer/Tax Collector. Commercial Vacation Rentals additionally require a Use Permit (Inland) or Coastal Development Permit (Coastal).
Operators of unpermitted vacation rentals in the Inland area must submit an application or come into compliance by April 14, 2025. Previously permitted rentals in the Inland area must comply with the new regulations once their permit expires or within seven years, whichever comes first.
For the Coastal Zone, the ordinances will not take effect immediately due to the additional requirement of certification by the California Coastal Commission, which oversees the state’s coastal zones.
For more information, residents can contact the Monterey County Permit Center at (831) 755-5025 or visit the Monterey County website.
