Frequently Asked Questions

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

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 nights per calendar year without occupying a bedroom in the dwelling during the entire period. 

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. 

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. 

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.

Non-hosted STRs are prohibited in all residential zoning districts.

In order to operate a hosted STR in 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 done through an online portal available here. Click here for a sample site plan and floor plan that is required to be submitted with the STR License application. A business license and a fire inspection are also required.

You should first contact the host and/or owner to file a complaint with them through the notices provided by the Town. If this is an ongoing issue, please contact Planning staff at str@townofwindsor.ca.gov and provide the date, time, and nature of the complaint(s) and the response from the host/owner. Staff will follow up with the host/owner and the complainant. 

Click here for instructions on reporting noise disturbances.