🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Calistoga, CA
Stronger Rules, Same Stance: Calistoga Sharpens Its Short-Term Rental Ban
Calistoga Doubles Down: City Tightens Ban on Short-Term Rentals
In a unanimous vote, council members adopted a new ordinance that reinforces the city’s existing ban on short-term rentals (STRs), those defined as stays shorter than 30 days. While the core policy remains unchanged, the new law dramatically improves the city’s ability to enforce it.
The ordinance, which adds Chapter 17.34 to the city’s zoning code, provides a clearer framework with precise definitions and a strong enforcement mechanism. According to Deputy City Manager Rachel Stepp, the goal was clarity and consistency: “Short-term rentals are still prohibited, but now our definitions, processes, and penalties are much stronger.”
Highlights of the updated framework include:
- Defined terms for short-term rental, operator, hosting platform, and booking transaction.
- A $1,000 base fine per violation, with higher penalties for endangering health or safety.
- Each day as a separate offense, compounding the consequences for ongoing violations.
- Authority to subpoena hosting platforms for detailed booking or address data to support investigations.
STRisker Updates Tracker
How do you keep up with the regulatory rollercoaster in your market? STRisker's Updates Tracker can be your guide - start tracking latest events as they happen and get access to essential documents as they come in. We know the struggle, which is why we built this product to capture every twist and turn in the regulatory saga so you never miss a beat.
The city is also gearing up for a more proactive approach. Staff plan to issue an RFP for enforcement technology or consulting services to locate unlawful listings automatically — a move that should strengthen oversight without overburdening staff. And for residents frustrated by illegal STRs in their neighborhoods, the city will offer an anonymous complaint system to report concerns directly.
The council’s unanimous approval reflects Calistoga’s determination to preserve the integrity of its residential zones and housing supply. Officials emphasized that this is about fairness and livability — ensuring that local homes remain homes, not unpermitted vacation rentals.
With these tighter rules, Calistoga is setting an example for other small cities navigating the short-term rental challenge: you can preserve your community charm while still enforcing your policies with precision and fairness.
Stay Updated with STRisker
STRisker offers tools and features to keep you updated with the Short-Term Rental movement across the U.S.
👍 We’d love your feedback.
We're always looking for ways to improve Bulletins.
Was this one useful to you? Other topics you'd like to see get covered?
✉️ Just reply directly to this email. We read and respond to every message!
-Will McClure
🙋 P.S.
Know someone else who should be reading this Bulletin? Feel free to forward this along. We want to make sure operators and stakeholders are aware of regulatory changes in their area.