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Zoning & Development Review
Vacation Rentals

Wait List Requests

The Planning Department is currently maintaining a Wait List for Vacation Rental and Hosted Rentals permits in the three Designated Areas (LODA, SALSDA, and DASDA). Permits will be issued on a first-applied, first-issued system, with evaluation of permit availability occurring on a bi-annual basis (June 1st and December 1st). There is a $145.00 annual Wait List fee to maintain a space on the List.

To submit a Wait List Request, please complete the Wait List Form and email it to: vacation.eplanreview@santacruzcountyca.gov for review and signature. Applications will not be accepted without signature. Following receipt of signature, please drop off the completed form with the cashier during Planning Counter business hours, or mail it, along with the annual Wait List Fee ($145.00 check made out to the County of Santa Cruz) to:

County of Santa Cruz
CDI, Planning Division
Attn: Vacation Rental Processing
701 Ocean Street, Room 400
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

To check your placement on the most up-to-date Wait List, you may view the current Wait List.

What is a Vacation Rental?

In Santa Cruz County, property owners may rent part or all of their home as a short-term rental (less than 30 days) with a permit.

Short-term rental of an entire home requires a Vacation Rental Permit. Vacation Rentals are different from “Hosted Rentals” and “Bed and Breakfasts” (short-term rental of a portion of a home where the property owner is on site during the rental).

Following is some key information about Vacation Rentals in Santa Cruz County.

Vacation Rental Ordinance (as amended 1/26/21)

Emergency Contacts for Vacation Rentals

Map of Active Vacation Rentals in the County

Vacation Rental Application

It is strongly advised that you consult with a planner via a Zoning appointment before applying for a new short-term rental.

Apply for a Vacation Rental/Renewal Permit

All permit application submittals are being taken in remotely via the department’s online “ePlan” portal. To submit an application for a Vacation Rental Permit or Renewal, please visit the ePlan Review Page.

For more information about the ePlan process, please refer to: Discretionary ePlan Instruction & Application Process.

Questions?  Visit the Planning Counter by making an appointment, email us at vacation.eplanreview@santacruzcountyca.gov or call the Zoning Information Line at (831) 454-2130.

Interested in Hosted Rentals? Please visit our Hosted Rentals Page.