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Short-Term Rentals (STR)

What is a Short-Term Rental?

A short-term rental (STR) is a dwelling unit, or any portion of a dwelling unit, used for residing, lodging, sleeping, or other occupancy purposes for stays of less than thirty (30) consecutive days, excluding City-approved hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and time-share properties.  

What is required by the City of Visalia (COV) for a property owner to operate an STR?

As of December 6, 2023, all property owners wishing to operate an STR must comply with all requirements of Visalia Municipal Code Chapter 17.32.166, including: 

  • Application for an STR Permit
  • A valid Business Tax Certificate and semi-annual payment of Business Tax for the STR
  • Collection and monthly remittance of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) to the COV
  • Compliance with all operational standards contained in the STR Ordinance

Application Process

STR Operators must complete the Short-Term Rental Permit Application and Business Tax Application and submit them in person, or by mailing the original application, to the Business Tax window at COV’s City Hall West.  Please note:

  • The STR application requires notarization of the signatures provided on page 2, and the original application must be received by the City.
  • A complete Business Tax Application must accompany any STR Permit Application, unless the business owner already has a valid Business Tax Certificate for the STR.

COV Business Tax Window Information:

Days and Hours:  Monday - Thursday; 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 
Location:  City Hall West, 707 West Acequia, Visalia CA 93291

What is the penalty for non-compliance with the STR Ordinance?

The City may take enforcement action to ensure compliance with the requirements of the STR Ordinance.  Any person found non-compliant shall be assessed fines as follows:

  1. A fine of $100 for a first violation
  2. A fine of $200 for a second violation
  3. A fine of $500 for each additional violation, with each day the violation continues considered as a new and separate offense.  So, $500 a day until brought into compliance.

Additional penalties and enforcement actions may be taken by the City for Business Tax (BT) and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).  For more information on BT and TOT penalties and enforcement, please visit the TOT and BT pages of the City website (links below).

Questions?

STR Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Handout
Short-Term Rental Ordinance
COV Business Tax (BT) webpage
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) webpage
STR Non-Operation Form

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