§ 3-23 — Windsor Zoning Code | GoCodebook Library

3-23-100 Purpose. ¶

The purpose of this chapter is to establish a licensing requirement and regulations for the operation of short-term rentals in the Town of Windsor in order to preserve and protect the public health, safety and welfare. (Ord. No. 2023-379, § 7, 6-21-2023)

3-23-110 Definitions. ¶

a. Advertising means signs, circulars, cards, telephone books, newspapers, magazines, posters, email, mobile applications, television, radio, internet websites, social media, or any other representation implying or stating that a property is available for short-term rental use.
b. Director means the Director of Community Development of the Town of Windsor, or such other person designated by the Town Manager to carry out the duties set forth in this chapter.
c. Host means an owner or primary occupant that rents out a residential dwelling unit to third parties for short-term rental use.
d. Hosting platform means a marketplace in whatever form or format that facilitates the shortterm rental activity through advertising, matchmaking, or any other means, using any medium of facilitation, and from which the operator of the hosting platform derives revenues, including booking fees or advertising revenues, from providing or maintaining the marketplace.
e. Short-term rental means a dwelling unit or part of a dwelling unit rented for a period of less than thirty (30) consecutive nights.
f. Manager means a natural person acting as an agent and representative of the host and responsible for the management and supervision of the short-term rental.
g. Short-term rental, hosted means a short-term rental where the owner or primary occupant occupies a bedroom in the dwelling unit during the entire rental period. In addition, this includes the occupation of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) by the owner or primary occupant while the primary unit is being rented. Short-term rental of an ADU is prohibited.
h. Short-term rental, non-hosted means a shortterm rental where the owner or primary occupant does not occupy a bedroom in the dwelling unit for one (1) or more nights during the rental period.
i. Short-term rental license or STR license shall mean a license issued by the Town authorizing a dwelling unit to be used as a non-hosted short-term rental and/or hosted short-term rental, as specified in the license.
(Ord. No. 2023-379, § 7, 6-21-2023; Ord. No. 2025400, § 4, 10-15-2025)

3-23-120 Short-Term Rental License— General. ¶

a. No person may establish and operate a shortterm rental without first obtaining and maintaining at all times a valid short-term rental license.
b. Only a natural person or persons who is/are the owner of record of the residential real property proposed to be rented as a shortterm rental may submit an application for an STR license. Owner includes a personal or family trust consisting of natural persons and the trustees of such trust but does not include residences or condominiums owned as a timeshare, limited liability partnership or corporation, fractional ownership of six (6) or more interests, or a business entity. A permanent occupant of the residential real property proposed to be rented may submit an application only if it is also signed by the property owner.
c. An application for a STR license shall be submitted on forms provided by the Town, and

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accompanied by the appropriate application fee established by the Town Council by resolution. The application form provided by the Town shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:

The name, address, e-mail address, and telephone number of the owner, as well as the host and manager, if different from the owner.
A site plan of the property, which shall identify all off-street and on-street parking for the short-term rental use as well as outdoor facilities including, but not limited to, pools, spas/hot tubs, bocci ball courts, fire pits, and other amenities.
The maximum occupancy of the shortterm rental allowed pursuant to Section 3-23-140(L).
An attestation from the applicant that any applicable covenants, conditions, and restrictions ("CC&Rs") or similar agreement do not prohibit the property from being used as a short-term rental.
Such other information as the Community Development Director or Building Official deems reasonably necessary to administer this chapter.

d. A STR license shall be non-transferable, shall not run with the land, and shall be valid only at the site described in the application. A STR license shall be valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance, and may be renewed upon submission of a renewal application and fee to the Town for a period of twenty-four (24) months.
e. The Director may deny an application for a new STR license or renewal of an existing STR license for any of the following reasons:
1. The application is incomplete or the full application fee has not been paid;
2. The application contains a false or misleading statement or omission of material fact;
3. The property is subject to an enforcement action under any provision of the Windsor Municipal Code or Zoning Ordinance;
4. The applicant is delinquent on any payment to the Town of any fees, penalties, taxes, or any other monies related to the property;
5. Within twenty-four (24) months of application, the applicant had a STR license revoked or renewal denied;

Within twenty-four (24) months of application, a STR license was revoked or renewal denied at the property subject to the application;
1. The operation of a short-term rental at the property is a threat to the public health, safety, or welfare; or
2. The short-term rental does not comply with, or has violated one (1) or more of the applicable requirements of this chapter, the Windsor Zoning Ordinance or any other applicable law, including the Windsor Building Code or Fire Code. In applying this section, the Director shall consider the number and severity of the violation(s).

f. No more than three (3) short-term rental licenses shall be issued to any one (1) host.
g. Upon approval of an STR license, the Director shall mail a notice of the approval to the occupants of all properties located within three hundred (300) feet of the approved short-term rental. The notice shall identify the name of the property owner, host and manager (if different from the property owner), and their contact information.
h. The Director shall maintain a list identifying the location of all licensed short-term rentals
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- (Supp. No. 54)
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3-23-130

TOWN OF WINDSOR CODE

in the Town, as well as the contact information for each property owner, host and manager (if different from the property owner). The list shall be available to the public upon request. (Ord. No. 2023-379, § 7, 6-21-2023; Ord. No. 2025400, § 4, 10-15-2025)

3-23-130 Short-Term Rental License— Non-Hosted STRs in Residential Districts. ¶

a. Non-hosted short-term rentals are prohibited from operating in residential districts. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a non-hosted shortterm rental operating with a valid Town business license on March 1, 2023 may continue to operate until July 1, 2025, after which point the use shall be terminated pursuant to Windsor Zoning Code Section 27.34.220.
b. A non-hosted short-term rental operating in a residential district until July 1, 2025 must comply with all operating standards contained in Section 3-23-140 and provide the Town with the name, address, e-mail address, and telephone number of the owner, as well as the host and manager, if different from the owner, on a form prepared by the Town. Notwithstanding the foregoing, non-hosted short-term rentals operating pursuant to this section shall not be required to comply with requirements related to the posting of a STR license number because they are not eligible to obtain an STR license.
c. Non-hosted short-term rentals shall not be eligible for a STR license. Any business license for a non-hosted short-term rental renewed after the enactment of this chapter shall terminate on June 30, 2025.
(Ord. No. 2023-379, § 7, 6-21-2023)

3-23-140 Short-Term Rental Operating Standards. ¶

All short-term rentals in the Town shall comply with the requirements listed in this section. it shall

be the responsibility of the host to ensure that all individuals present at the short-term rental comply with this section.

a. No person shall advertise or rent any STR without a Town-issued STR license number listed in a visible location on the advertisement, including any listing on a hosting platform.
b. Posted Rules. In a location visible from the interior of the front entrance, the host shall post a sign identifying the following information for guests: the host or manager's contact information, Town-issued license number, quiet hours, parking regulations, maximum occupancy, guests and any other information required by the Town. It is the responsibility of the host to immediately update the posted rules when any relevant information changes.
c. Signs. On-site signs are prohibited.
d. Business License. All short-term rentals must obtain and maintain a valid business license issued in accordance with Title III, Chapter 6 of the Town of Windsor Municipal Code.
e. Fire Safety Inspection. All short-term rentals are required to complete a fire safety inspection through the Sonoma County Fire District in conjunction with the business license. This inspection shall also be required for a STR license renewal.
f. Events. Events of any kind, including parties, are not permitted at a short-term rental. Short-term rentals shall be used solely for temporary lodging and not for any other purpose.
g. Accessory Dwelling Units. An accessory dwelling unit shall not be permitted as a short-term rental consistent with Section 27.34.180, Accessory Dwelling Units, of the Windsor Zoning Ordinance.

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h. Parking. All vehicles associated with occupants or guest of the short-term rental shall be located in property's existing driveway or existing covered parking (garage or carport), except that a maximum of one (1) vehicle shall be permitted to park on the street immediately adjacent to the shortterm rental if a parking spot is available.
i. Safety. All short-term rentals must include operating smoke detectors and CO2 detectors, be adequately heated, and otherwise satisfy all applicable requirements of the California Building Standards Code and applicable fire codes in effect in the Town, as well as all requirements of the Sonoma County Fire District.
j. Quiet Hours. Quiet hours, which include a prohibition of any sound or vibration detectable at the property line shall be in effect from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. For a hosted short-term rental, the owner must be present at the property from at least 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
k. Visual Check-In. The host of the shortterm rental is required to check-in guests either in-person or remotely using an onpremises camera and microphone.
l. Occupancy Limit. Occupancy of a shortterm rental is limited to a maximum of two (2) overnight occupants per bedroom, and no more than eight (8) total occupants.
m. Camera and Noise Monitor. The host shall install at least one (1) camera at or near the front entrance of the home that enables the host or manager to remotely monitor the number of individuals entering the home and activity in the front yard. The host shall install at least one (1) noise monitor in the backyard the home that enables the host or manager to remotely monitor the noise level in the backyard.
n. Litter and Loitering. The front yard of the short-term rental shall be kept clear of litter and debris at all times. Occupants or guests of the short-term rental are prohibited from loitering in the front yard of a short-term rental.
o. Response. The host, or manager if different than the host, must be available and able to respond, twenty-four (24) hours a day, within thirty (30) minutes from the time of notification of any issue to manage the short-term rental and respond to reported issues, contact the tenants regarding complaints received, and/or be physically present at the short-term rental unit to address reported concerns, including unreasonable noise or disturbance, disorderly or unlawful conduct or any violation of this chapter or applicable law.
p. Minimum Age. The host shall not rent the STR to any individual under twenty-five (25) years old. This restriction shall only apply to the individual making the reservation, and shall not prohibit other younger individuals from staying in the home with individual making the reservation.
q. Minimum Stay. A host shall not rent a non-hosted STR to any individual for a period of fewer than two (2) consecutive nights.
r. The property owner shall be responsible for immediately notifying the Town and the occupants of all properties located within three hundred (300) feet of the shortterm rental if the contact information for the property owner, host, or manager change.

(Ord. No. 2023-379, § 7, 6-21-2023)

3-111

(Supp. No. 48)

3-23-150

TOWN OF WINDSOR CODE

3-23-150 Revocation. ¶

A STR licenses may be revoked by the Director at any time if he or she determines that any of the following has occurred:

a. There have been three (3) or more violations of this chapter or other applicable law at the short-term rental confirmed by the Town within one (1) year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Director may revoke a STR license if fewer than three (3) violations have occurred if the Director determines that the severity of the violation(s) justifies the revocation.
b. Any event occurs at the short-term rental in which charges for criminal activity are filed by the Sonoma County District Attorney against an occupant of the shortterm rental property.
c. The host or property owner has not paid all required taxes, fines, penalties and fees to the Town in full by the date upon which said monies became due.
d. The host submitted a STR license application containing a material misrepresentation or omission of a material fact.
e. There has been a transfer or attempt to transfer a STR license to another person, entity, or property.
f. A change occurs in any material fact upon which the STR license was issued where the change was not reported to the Town within fourteen (14) calendar days.
(Ord. No. 2023-379, § 7, 6-21-2023)

3-23-160 Hearing and Appeal of Denial or Revocation. ¶

a. Any person denied a STR license, or any person whose STR license has been revoked may appeal such decision by completing a "request for hearing" form and returning it to the Town in accordance with the instructions on the

form within fifteen (15) calendar days from the date the administrative decision is served or deemed to have been served, together with any applicable appeal fee established by the Town Council.

b. Upon receiving a written request for a hearing, the Town Manager or his/her delegate shall set the matter for a hearing on a date not less than fifteen (15) and not more than sixty (60) calendar days from the date that such request is filed in accordance with the provisions of this section. The person requesting the hearing and the Town may agree to a hearing date that is either sooner or later than the time periods required herein for a hearing. Unless advanced notice is otherwise waived by the requesting party, the person requesting the hearing shall be notified of the time and place set for the hearing at least ten (10) calendar days prior to the date of the hearing. The failure of any appellant to appear at the scheduled hearing shall constitute a forfeiture of the right to appeal and be a bar to judicial review of the hearing officer decision based upon a failure to exhaust administrative remedies.
c. The Town Manager shall be authorized to appoint as hearing officer any person or persons, who is qualified by training or experience and who is not otherwise in the administration of this chapter or the supervision of short-term rentals. The hearing officer may, but is not required to be, a Town employee.
d. The hearing shall be conducted to determine the existence of any facts which constitute grounds for the denial or revocation of a STR license. The applicant or permittee may have the assistance of counsel or may appear by counsel and may present evidence. The hearing is intended to be informal in nature. Formal rules of evidence and discovery do not apply. The Town Manager may, from time to time, adopt procedures for the format and proceedings of the administrative hearing. Both

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parties shall be given the opportunity to testify and present witnesses and evidence concerning the administrative citation. The Town shall have the burden of proof by preponderance of the evidence to establish that the responsible person committed the violation specified in revocation or denial. On the hearing officer's own discretion or upon request by any party, the hearing officer may continue the hearing and request additional information from any person or witness prior to issuing a written decision. Notice of the continued hearing must be given to each party and shall include the time, date, and place to which the hearing is to be continued.

ation specified in revocation or denial. On the hearing officer's own discretion or upon request by any party, the hearing officer may continue the hearing and request additional information from any person or witness prior to issuing a written decision. Notice of the continued hearing must be given to each party and shall include the time, date, and place to which the hearing is to be continued.

e. After considering all of the testimony and evidence submitted at the hearing or continued hearing, the hearing officer shall issue a written decision setting forth the findings supporting the decision within fifteen (15) calendar days of the hearing, unless the hearing officer determines good cause exist to extend time. The written decision shall include the reasons for the decision. The written decision shall be served on each party by certified mail, postage prepaid with a requested return receipt. The decision of the hearing officer shall be final.

($5,000.00) per violation for all subsequent violations of the same regulation within one (1) calendar year. For the purposes of this section, each instance of non-compliance with any requirement in this chapter shall be a separate violation.

c. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, a violation of this chapter that does not pose a threat to public health or safety, including the first violation of failure to obtain an STR license or pay any applicable fee or tax, shall be subject to a maximum fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) per violation.
d. In the event that Government Code section 36900 is amended to authorize the Town to impose fines in a greater amount than set forth herein, the Town shall be authorized to impose the fines set forth in Government Code section 36900.
e. A fine for violating this section may be issued administratively in accordance with Article 3 of Chapter 1 of Title I.
(Ord. No. 2023-379, § 7, 6-21-2023)
(Ord. No. 2023-379, § 7, 6-21-2023)

3-23-170 Penalty. ¶

a. Any person or entity who violates this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by any remedy authorized by this Municipal Code or applicable law, at the election of the Town.
b. A violation of this chapter that pose a threat to public health or safety may be punishable by a fine of up [to] one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500.00) per violation for a first violation, three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) per violation for a second violation of the same regulation, and five thousand dollars

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4-5-100NoParkingZonesEstablished.	4-5-100NoParkingZonesEstablished.	4-5-100NoParkingZonesEstablished.	4-5-100NoParkingZonesEstablished.	Noparkingzoneshavebeenestablishedinthe
followinglocations.Nopersonshall			parkavehicleintheareadesignated.
NameofStreet		Side		Location
BellAvenue	a .		South	BeginningatCondeLaneandextending
				inawesterlydirectionapproximately320
				feet.
	b.		North	Beginningatthewesterlyright-ofwayof
				CondeLaneandextendinginawesterly
				directionapproximately200feet.
BrooksRoad	a .		West	Beginningatthewesterlyright-of-wayof
				LosAmigosRoadandextendingina
				northerlydirectiontoapointbeingthe
				extensionofthesoutherlyright-of-wayof
				Adele Drive,approximately1350feet.
	b.		East	Beginningatthewesterlyright-of-wayof
				LakewoodDriveandextendingina
				northwesterlydirectiontothesoutherly
				right-of-wayofLos Amigos Road
				approximately700feet.
	c.		East	Beginningatthenortherlyright-of-wayof
				LosAmigosRoadandextendingina
				northerlydirectiontothesoutherlyright-
				of-wayofAdeleDriveapproximately750
				feet.
CondeLane	a .		West	Beginningatthesoutherlyright-of-wayof
				WindsorRiverRoadandextendingina
				southerlydirectiontothenortherlyright-
				of-wayofBellAvenueapproximately200
				feet.
	b.		East	Beginningatthesoutherlyright-of-wayof
				WindsorRiverRoadandextendingina
				southerlydirectiontothenortherlyright-
				of-wayofBellAvenueapproximately200
				feet.

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_Name of Street _		Location
MarkWest Springs Road	b.West	Beginningatthe westerly right-of-way
(#8801A)(con't)		ofUrsulineRoad(#88042)andex-
		tending in a westerly direction on the
		southerly sideofthe road for a dis-
		tanceof164 feet, Post Miles10.85to
		10.89.
Old Redwood Highway (#7812)	a. West	Beginningatthe westerly right-of-way
		ofHembreeLaneEast(#880017 A)
		andextending in a westerly direction
		onthe southerly sideofthe road for a
		distanceof141feet, Post Miles 16.06
		to16.09.
	b.East	BeginningatapointI00 feet easterly
		ofthe easterly right-of-wayof
		HembreeLane(#88017B) and extend-
		ing in a westerly directiononthe
		northerly sideofthe road to apoint
		116 feet westerlyofthe westerly right-
		of-wayofHembree Lane, Post Miles
		16.04to16.08.
Pleasant Avenue	East	Beginning approximately80feet eastof
		the projectionofthe centerlineof
		Brianne Circleandextendinginan
		easterly direction along the northerly
		sideofPleasant Avenue for a distance
		of262 feet, said location being a bus
		turnoutforMattieWashburn School.
Windsor River Road	a.South	Beginningatthe westerly right-of-way
		ofCondeLaneandextendingina
		westerly direction 150 feet.
	b.North	Beginningatthe westerly right-of-way
		ofCondeLaneandextendingina
		westerly directionI80feet.

MOTOR VEHICLES, TRAFFIC AND PARKING

4-5-315

way streets, traffic signals and permanent street closures.

In addition to any other duties and responsibilities imposed by this title and other provisions of this Code or State law, the Public Works Director shall be responsible for the installation, maintenance and removal of authorized traffic control devices, signs, markings and the discharge of related duties. (Ord. No. 2008-239 § 1 (part))

3-23-100 Purpose. ¶

3-23-110 Definitions. ¶

3-23-120 Short-Term Rental License— General. ¶

3-23-130 Short-Term Rental License— Non-Hosted STRs in Residential Districts. ¶

3-23-140 Short-Term Rental Operating Standards. ¶

3-23-150 Revocation. ¶

3-23-160 Hearing and Appeal of Denial or Revocation. ¶

3-23-170 Penalty. ¶

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