Thinking About an Airbnb in Live Oak or Aptos? Santa Cruz County Just Launched a 24/7 Hotline

If you own a short-term rental in unincorporated Santa Cruz County, or you're thinking about buying one, here's the short answer: as of October 21, 2026, neighbors can call a live person at (831) 316-3795 any hour of the day about a permitted short-term rental, and every report gets documented for county code compliance. That makes running a clean operation, and doing real homework before you buy, more important than ever.

What is Santa Cruz County's new short-term rental hotline?

The County's Community Development and Infrastructure (CDI) Planning Division launched the hotline on October 21, 2026, according to the County's press release. A live representative answers 24 hours a day. Callers can report excessive noise, parties, occupancy, parking, vehicle impacts and trash. Each report is documented so code compliance staff can respond and track issues.

Code compliance officer John Nielsen put it this way: "It also supports responsible short-term rental operators by creating a documented record of concerns and how they were addressed." I like that framing. If you run your rental the right way, a record of how you handled a complaint can work in your favor.

Who does the hotline apply to?

It covers permitted short-term rentals in the unincorporated parts of Santa Cruz County. A short-term rental is renting part or all of a home for less than 30 days, and it needs a county permit. CDI oversees about 950 permitted short-term rentals in the unincorporated county. In a phased rollout, the hotline number is being added to the required signage for new and renewing permits.

Why should current owners pay attention?

Because there's now a clear, documented record behind every call. If problems keep coming up at a property, code compliance has that history to work from. If you respond quickly and fix issues, that gets documented too. A few habits I'd lock in now:

• Post the hotline number on your sign when your permit is new or up for renewal.
• Share clear house rules on noise, parking and trash with every guest.
• Respond fast when something comes up, and keep your own notes.
• Stay current on Transient Occupancy Tax and keep your booking records, since renewals require proof of significant use and proof of TOT payment.

How many short-term rental permits does Santa Cruz County allow?

Permits are capped countywide and in designated areas. Per the County's short-term rental page, here are the maximums (Non-Hosted / Hosted):

• Live Oak designated area: 262 / 18
• Seacliff, Aptos and La Selva Beach designated area: 147 / 45
• Davenport and Swanton designated area: 3 / 4
• Outside the designated areas: 270 / 185

A Hosted rental means the owner or a long-term resident lives on site in one bedroom and rents one to three other bedrooms. A Non-Hosted rental is the whole home. When an area is full, there's a first-applied, first-issued waitlist, with availability reviewed every July 15 and January 15 and a $145 annual waitlist fee. New Non-Hosted applications run $2,278.20 for three bedrooms or fewer and $3,786.25 for four or more. New Hosted applications are $875.75.

Can a home with an ADU be a short-term rental?

No. Under the County's rules, a short-term rental isn't allowed on a property that has an ADU or Junior ADU built under state law. If you're planning to add an ADU and also run a vacation rental, those two plans don't mix here, so pick your strategy before you buy.

What should buyers check before making an offer?

Before you fall in love with the projected nightly income, verify the basics:

• Is the home in unincorporated Santa Cruz County or inside a city? The rules above are the County's.
• Does it hold a current permit, and is it Hosted or Non-Hosted?
• Is there room under the cap in that area, or a waitlist?
• Is there an ADU or Junior ADU on the property?
• Can the seller show TOT payments and booking history?
• How is an existing permit handled when the home changes hands? Confirm that directly with CDI before you remove contingencies.

Also remember the County allows only one short-term rental per person, entity or property.

Frequently asked questions

What number do I call about a short-term rental in unincorporated Santa Cruz County?
Call (831) 316-3795. A live representative answers 24 hours a day.

What can I report to the hotline?
Concerns about permitted short-term rentals, including excessive noise, parties, occupancy, parking, vehicle impacts and trash.

How many short-term rentals are permitted in unincorporated Santa Cruz County?
CDI oversees about 950 permitted short-term rentals, and permit numbers are capped countywide and within designated areas like Live Oak and Seacliff, Aptos and La Selva Beach.

Can I run a short-term rental on a property with an ADU?
No. The County doesn't allow a short-term rental on a property with an ADU or Junior ADU built under state law.

Is there a waitlist for short-term rental permits?
Yes. It's first-applied, first-issued, availability is reviewed on July 15 and January 15, and there's a $145 annual waitlist fee.

What's your home worth today? Whether you're buying a coastal rental, selling one, or just curious, call or text me at (650) 695-1919 for a free personalized home valuation.

Sirrom Alizem, Realtor
eXp Realty Nor Cal Inc | DRE #02137532
(650) 695-1919 | sirrom@realtywithsirrom.com
www.realtywithsirrom.com