Santa Barbara, CA, Commission Advances Ordinance Limiting STR

3/9/2026

The Santa Barbara, California, Planning Commission voted 4–2 to advance a proposed ordinance regulating short-term rentals (STR) to the Ordinance Committee for further review. The measure would create a permit system and restrict most STRs to non-residential or mixed-use zones, banning them in inland residential neighborhoods while allowing some homeshares in the coastal zone. Officials aim to protect long-term housing supply but still allow limited vacation rentals. Commissioners requested more information on enforcement, parking waivers, transient occupancy tax revenue, and whether to impose a cap or lottery system for permits.

Noozhawk.com (03/06/26) Rebecca Caraway