Short-Term Rentals Registration applications can now be submitted online, by phone, and mail.

For the privilege of occupancy in any Short-Term Rentals, each transient shall be subject to and shall pay a tax in the amount of $333.00 for new applications and $180.00 for renewals.

If you need further assistance or help with filing your STR Registration, you are welcome to contact us at NovatoTOT@hdlgov.com or by phone at (628) 214-1373. All questions and applications are now processed online or over the phone.

STR Registration forms and payments may also be mailed to the address below. Please make checks payable to City of Novato.

Prior to applying for or renewing your STR Registration be prepared to provide the following documentation as it is required for both renewals and application for STR Registration.

  • Proof of Permanent Residency
  • An Off-Street Parking Plan
  • Required Signage
  • Property Inspection

Apply for a STR Registration
Renew STR Registration
Pay a Balance Due
Other
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Download Forms

Please download below

Short-Term Rental Required Documentation .pdf   file_download
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Frequently Asked Questions

A short-term residential rental (STR) is the rental of all, or a portion/bedroom, of a residential home for periods of less than 30 consecutive nights. Short-term rentals are typically advertised on websites such as Airbnb, VRBO, or HomeAway.

  • The home must be a structure that is approved and permitted for residential use.
  • The Permanent Resident may be an owner or a tenant with a long-term lease, but must be a natural person (not a corporation, business, or other legal entity)
  • The home must be occupied by the permanent resident at least 60 days per year.

Permanent residency by an owner or tenant offering their home as an STR must be documented by at least three (3) of the following that include both the permanent residents’ name and address of the home being rented:

  • Motor vehicle registration
  • Driver’s license
  • Voter registration
  • Utility bill
  • Tax document showing the unit utilizes the homeowner’s tax exemption.
  • The home must provide off-street parking (driveway and/or garage)

Registered STRs may rent a room(s) or the entire structure, as long as the owner/tenant is a permanent resident.

Owners or long-term tenants that are permanent residents of the home may temporarily rent their residence out while they are traveling, on vacation, or temporarily staying at a secondary residence or vacation home, as long as they comply with the requirements of the STR Registration Program, including identifying a 24-hour emergency contact who will be living within 30 miles of the home whenever it’s rented.

All STRs are required to submit the applicable Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) payment on a quarterly basis. The City of Novato’s TOT is 12% of taxable rents, and the County of Marin’s Business Improvement District (BID) fee is 2% of taxable rents, for a total of 14%.

The City of Novato will collect both the City and the County BID and submit the 2% directly to the County on your behalf.

Taxes should be submitted online through the City’s STR online filing platform.

Taxes are separate from any STR or business license application/review fees. Failure to submit taxes may result in late fees/penalties, up to and including revocation of a STR Registration.

  • STR Property Registration: $170
  • STR Application Review: $315
  • Novato Business License: $174
  • Property Inspection**: $100
  • Transient Occupancy Tax: 12% of the gross receipts taxable rent.

** - The permanent resident may self-conduct the property inspection and avoid the $100 fee; if City staff is required to satisfactorily complete the inspection, the $100 fee would apply.

The annual STR and business license fees are separate from any applicable Transient Occupancy Tax.

The STR Program is governed by Novato Municipal Code § 8.12, which was approved by the Novato City Council on February 9, 2021. A complete list of the STR Program’s Eligibility Standards, Operating Parameters, and Procedures can be found in Novato City Council Resolution No. 2021-015.