🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Saratoga, CA

Saratoga Planning Commission Signals Full Stop on Short-Term Rentals

After months of discussion, Saratoga’s Planning Commission has drawn a clear line on short-term rentals. On Dec. 10, commissioners voted 6–1 to recommend that the city prohibit them altogether, while also calling for substantial fines and a streamlined enforcement process for illegal rentals already operating.

The vote followed the presentation of a draft ordinance that would have allowed short-term rentals under strict conditions. Modeled after Los Gatos’ policy, the proposal capped rentals at 5% of Saratoga’s roughly 11,500 homes and limited them to primary residences. Property owners would have needed a license, and city staff, along with outside consultants, would oversee compliance and tax collection.

From a fiscal standpoint, city staff acknowledged the appeal. Saratoga faces a structural budget deficit, and short-term rentals could generate transient occupancy tax revenue, especially with large-scale events like the Super Bowl and World Cup arriving in the Bay Area in 2026. Community Development Director Bryan Swanson framed rentals as one of several possible ways to diversify city revenue beyond property taxes.

But the public response was swift and unified: no short-term rentals. Every speaker during public comment opposed allowing them, citing disruptions already linked to nearby Airbnb and VRBO listings. Residents described loud parties, overflowing trash bins, and congested streets, particularly in cul-de-sacs not designed for heavy traffic.

STRisker News Tracker

Trying to keep up with STR regulations across multiple cities and states? Our News Tracker makes it easier than ever. Filter by location, search a comprehensive database, and sort by impact level—this tool helps you focus on what matters most.

Create Your Watchlist - 14 Day Free Trial

Many residents said the issue went beyond nuisance complaints. They warned that short-term rentals undermine the residential fabric of Saratoga, turning stable neighborhoods into transient spaces. Several speakers argued that the city should not create a regulatory system for an activity they believe doesn’t belong in their community at all.

Some residents requested exemptions for private streets if rentals were approved, while others floated the idea of higher taxes as a preferable alternative. A few speakers went further, alleging property crimes connected to short-term renters comments that underscored the depth of concern and frustration.

Commissioners ultimately echoed those worries. In addition to recommending a ban, they asked staff to clarify enforcement procedures, signaling that the city may take a tougher stance on existing illegal rentals listed online.

The lone dissent came from Commissioner Badrinath Sridharan, who argued that a total ban was overly rigid and suggested testing a smaller allowance. “A blanket ban doesn’t sound like California,” he said, urging innovation over prohibition.

The recommendation now heads to the City Council, where leaders will have to decide whether Saratoga prioritizes potential rental revenue or firmly protects neighborhood character by keeping short-term rentals out entirely.

Short-Term Rentals | Saratoga, CA

The City of Saratoga’s Municipal Code prohibits rental of a single-family home or room(s) within the home for a period of 30 consecutive calendar days or less.

Saratoga, CAGovernment Websites by CivicPlus®

👍 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.