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Owner Resources
This stretch of California's Central Coast is governed by multiple distinct jurisdictions — and the rules differ significantly between them. The City of Monterey bans short-term rentals outright. Carmel-by-the-Sea and the City of Santa Cruz operate their own separate programs with different requirements. Unincorporated areas of Monterey County fall under county jurisdiction.
California has no state preemption law protecting STR operator rights, so each city and county sets its own rules independently. Confirm requirements with the specific jurisdiction where your property is located before listing.
Short-term rentals of less than 30 days are prohibited in the City of Monterey under City Code §22-19.5. There is no permit available and no exception process for residential properties.
The ban applies to all platforms — Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and any other rental channel. Advertising a banned STR in Monterey is also specifically prohibited under the same code section. Enforcement is handled by the Code Compliance office.
No recent changes: As of August 2026, no ordinance amendments or active proposals to legalize STRs in the City of Monterey are being tracked. This may change — monitor the city council agenda if you are planning future investment in the area.
Rentals of 30 days or longer: Rentals of 30 consecutive days or more are not subject to the STR ban and can proceed under standard residential tenancy rules.
Carmel-by-the-Sea and the City of Santa Cruz each operate separate STR programs with requirements distinct from Monterey and from each other. These cities are not covered by the Monterey ban.
For current permit requirements, fees, caps, and zoning eligibility in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Santa Cruz, contact each city's planning or business licensing department directly. Rules in both cities have evolved in recent years and are subject to change.
Unincorporated Monterey County: Properties in unincorporated areas — including parts of the Carmel Valley, Big Sur, and other rural areas — fall under Monterey County's STR program, not the City of Monterey's ban. Confirm your property's jurisdiction before assuming which rules apply.
The regulatory environment across Monterey Bay varies by jurisdiction and continues to evolve. This page is reviewed regularly against verified government sources, but it is not a substitute for checking directly with the City of Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, the City of Santa Cruz, or Monterey County before taking any action.
Last verified: August 2026.