Short-term rentals (STRs), referred to as vacation rentals in Santa Rosa, California, are legal but subject to strict regulations enforced by the City of Santa Rosa. Operators must obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit and follow specific operating standards. Notably, non-hosted rentals are currently capped at a predetermined number citywide, while hosted rentals require that the property owner reside on-site for more than half of the year. This regulatory framework supports a variety of properties, including urban apartments and single-family homes, appealing mostly to both tourists and business travelers. The market environment is shaped by tourism, especially during peak seasons, but there is a consistent demand year-round. The primary governmental authority responsible for these regulations is the Santa Rosa Planning and Economic Development Department. For more information, visit the official Santa Rosa city website on short-term rentals at.