Check if address falls within the geographic boundaries of the City of Goleta Here

STVRs are NOT permitted on ADU per GMC 17.41.030. 

All operators are required to remit TOT and TBID Assessment (Click here for more information)

To report a potential violation to this Municipal Code, please submit a request through the City Assist. 

How to apply: 

Step one: Create a portal login (save this information as it will be needed for renewal)

Step two: Submit application and make payment online.

Step three: Once online application is submitted, stay logged. On the upper right hand corner you will find “my account”, under my account you will find a “business license” tab, and there, you will be able to upload the following required documentation:

Host - Required Documentation:

• Most recent Property Tax (showing property owners name)
• Public Notice Form (forms are to be used by host only and the City only needs a list to each address it was delivered.)
• Surety Bond ($1,500) (GMC 5.08.100 - To ensure that the rental property is operated in accordance with GMC, including zoning, safety, and health regulations. Surety bond covers issues related to taxes and fees associated with short-term rental. It also ensures that the STVR owners and tenants are held liable for their actions, and, therefore, must compensate for any damages or violations during the stay.)

Final step: Application cannot be reviewed without the documentation. Application review can take up to 4-8 business weeks (if and when application is submitted completely).

REQUIRED FOR ANNUAL REVIEW to upload the following items into online application portal:

Host Documentation:

1. Most recent Property Tax (showing property owners full name)
2. Surety Bond ($1,500) (GMC 5.08.100 - confirmation that bond is still active)

Yearly Short Term Business License and TOT Certificate renewals

It is the responsibility of the business to update the City of all business changes. A late penalty of 50% for annual licenses will be assessed for payments made past the 30 day grace period. To receive your renewal authentication code, please contact stvrlicense@cityofgoleta.org.

On February 17, 2015, the Goleta City Council adopted an ordinance designed to regulate short-term vacation rental properties. This ordinance went into effect on July 1, 2015 and as of August 18, 2023, the ordinance has been updated. Please visit our Goleta Municipal Code page for more information here. 

• Short-Term Vacation Rental Ordinance
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Ordinance
• Hosting Platform Responsibilities 

• FAQs TOT & TBID Tax

Goleta’s Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) Ordinance requires that all properties be subject to the STVR Ordinance if rented 31 days or less.

Q: How much is the yearly Short Term License?
A: License fee is $326 and SB1186 is $4, totaling to $330.

Q: Is a short-term vacation rental subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Tourism
Business Improvement District Assessment (TBID)? 
A: Yes. Short-term vacation rentals are subject to a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) as well as a 2% Santa Barbara South Coast Tourism Business Improvement District assessment(TBID).

Q: How long does it take to get a permit?
A: Short Term Rental license and TOT certificate can usually be issued up to 4-8 business weeks of receiving the completed application.

Q: Surety Bond Compliance?
A: To stay in compliance with your Short-Term Vacation Rental permit, you must obtain and maintain a surety bond. Applicant is responsible to notify the City if the surety bond has been canceled and or changed. 

Q: How do I apply for a surety bond?
A: Most applicants have accessed a website by searching surety bonds or you may contact your Insurance Broker.

Q: Do I have to renew Short Tern Rental License and TOT Certificate?
A: Yes. Host must annually submit an online renewal application. The purpose of this annual renewal is to obtain confirmation that all owners are complying with all elements of the performance standards and the nuisance response is current and accurate.

Q: Where will the city email/mail permits and notices?
A: The City will update the online portal for each case. Applicant is responsible for renewals, there will be an authentication code needed prior to renewing. Please email stvrlicense@cityofgoleta.org with business license number, requesting the authentication code. 

Q: Can I change information contained in the nuisance response plan already filed with the city?
A: Yes. At any time, the host of a short-term vacation rental may change the
content of the nuisance response plan by logging on to the application portal. 

Q: Is there a fee that applies to nuisance response plan amendments?
A: No. The city currently does not require a fee

How to Report Short-term Vacation Rental Nuisances 

The primary purpose for this permit is to minimize public nuisance conditions often associated with short-term vacation rentals.  A Nuisance Response Plan provided by the vacation rental owner(s) that provides a contact name and number should short-term renters impact the neighborhood with nuisance activities, such as loud afterhours parties or noise, disruptive behavior, illegal parking, excessive and/or overflowing trash, or any activity that disrupts the neighborhood peace.  Continued unacceptable behavior should be reported to the City and is subject to citation and fines.

 Report a Nuisance Violation Here