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1. Are there different types of STRs?

There are two types of STRs, hosted and non-hosted. The ordinance defines both type of STRs.

2. What is a hosted STR?

A hosted STR is an STR where the owner or primary occupant occupies a bedroom in the dwelling unit or an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on the same site as the STR during the entire rental period. The ADU may not be used as the STR. A hosted STR also includes a STR where the owner or primary occupant is the permanent resident of the dwelling being rented as the STR, and rents the dwelling for a maximum of 60 days per calendar year without occupying a bedroom in the dwelling during the entire period. 

3. Where are hosted STRs allowed?

Hosted STRs are allowed in all residential zoning districts and in the Neighborhood Commercial (NC), Community Commercial (CC), Town Center (TC), Town Center-Active Use Frontage Overlay (TC-AUFO), and Town Center-Entertainment Overlay zones with Town approval of a STR license. 

4. What is a non-hosted STR?

A non-hosted STR is an STR where the owner or primary occupant does not occupy a bedroom in the dwelling for one or more nights during the rental period. 

5. Where are non-hosted STRs allowed?

Non-hosted STRs are allowed in the Neighborhood Commercial (NC), Community Commercial (CC), Town Center (TC), Town Center-Active Use Frontage Overlay (TC-AUFO), and Town Center-Entertainment Overlay zones with Town approval of a STR license.

6. Where are non-hosted STRs prohibited?

Non-hosted STRs are prohibited in all residential zoning districts. The ordinance includes an amortization period that allows these STRs to continue to operate through June 30, 2025, when in compliance with all of the following. 

1. There was a valid Town of Windsor business license for the STR as of March 1, 2023.
2. The STR must be operated in compliance with the operating standards included in the Town’s STR ordinance. 
3. The STR owner provides the name, address, email address, and telephone number of the owner, as well as the host and manager if different than the owner on a form acceptable to the Town. 

7. How do I file the form to operate an existing business license-holder for a non-hosted STR during the amortization period?

In order to operate during the amortization period, complete the required form and submit it to the Town prior to October 1, 2023, with the required processing fee. The required form is available here.

8. How do I file an application for STR License?

In order to operate a hosted STR is a residential district or a hosted or non-hosted STR in certain commercial districts a STR license is required, along with the required STR license application fee, and submittal documents. The STR license application is available here.

9. How do I file a complaint about a STR?

To file a complaint regarding a STR, please call the 24-hour Hotline number at (707) 340-6237 or use the online complaint webpage: https://secure.hostcompliance.com/windsor-ca/complaints/type