Santa Rosa City Council, District 1

Our community thrives when we strike a balance between preserving neighborhood character and supporting the people and small businesses that make our region vibrant. Increasing the number of unhosted short-term rental (STR) permits is a practical, economically sound way to achieve that balance.

Unhosted STRs—when responsibly managed—are not party houses or investor free-for-alls. They are professionally maintained, tax-paying micro-businesses that directly sustain our local economy. Each permitted property supports an average of 35 local workers, from cleaners, gardeners, and handymen to pest control teams, pool technicians, and local contractors. These homes also generate significant transient occupancy tax revenue that funds city services, parks, and infrastructure—without raising taxes on residents.

Guests who stay in short-term rentals shop locally, dine in our restaurants, visit our wineries, hire caterers and drivers, book local tours, and contribute millions of dollars in annual visitor spending. When the city limits unhosted permits too tightly, those tourism dollars—and the jobs they support—simply move to neighboring towns with more balanced policies.

Responsible hosting can and should coexist with community interests. We fully support enforceable standards: noise limits, occupancy caps, local emergency contacts, and strict penalties for violations. But a blanket cap on permits only penalizes good operators while failing to address the few bad actors who ignore the rules.

By modestly expanding the number of unhosted STR permits, the city can create a regulated, transparent, and economically beneficial system that rewards compliance, protects neighborhoods, and strengthens our local economy.

It’s time to recognize what responsible hosts truly are—local small business owners, community contributors, and ambassadors for our region’s hospitality.