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Introduction
Types of Farm Accommodations
State & Local Regulations
Resources
Introduction
As demand increases for experiential tourist attractions, farms have a unique opportunity to capture new streams of revenue through short-term accommodation rentals. For each type of accommodation, agriculture must remain the main activity of the property.
All accommodation-based agritourism activities require permits. Your property’s zoning determines what types of activities you can perform on your property. Find your zoning code here.
Farmstays, Marketing Accommodations, and Campgrounds are allowed on certain Williamson Act properties, depending on zoning.
If you wish to host any events or activities on your property outside of the permitted uses, you will need either a Special Events permit or a Conditional Use permit. The following table provides a brief overview of what types of accommodations are permitted for each zoning code. Please note that some agriculturally zoned land in the Coastal District may have different permitted uses. Always check with Permit Sonoma before beginning any construction.
The following table describes each agricultural zone and its permitted uses.
Zone | Farmstay* | Hosted Rental | Bed & Breakfast | Vacation Rental | Marketing Accommodation* |
Land Intensive Agriculture (LIA) | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Land Extensive Agriculture (LEA) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Diverse Agriculture (DA) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Resources & Rural Development (RRD) | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Agriculture & Residential (AR) | Yes | Yes |
| Yes (varies) |
|
Rural Residential (RR) | Yes | Yes |
| Yes (varies) |
|
*Not permitted on Williamson Act Land
Types of Farm Accommodations
**A guest house is defined by the County as a structure with a maximum of 640 square feet, one bathroom, and no kitchen. You can find a comparison of Guest Houses with ADUs here.
Farmstays
5 or fewer guestrooms in a single family dwelling or guest house**
On-site farmer in residence
Price includes any meals provided
If you provide meals, you must apply for a Food Facility Operating Permit through the Department of Health Services
Must directly relate and support the farming operation on site
Events allowed with a Special Event permit (limited to 4 per year)
Allowed on Williamson Act lands
Hosted Rentals
1 guestroom in a single family dwelling
Room or guesthouse
Property owner in residence
Price includes any meals provided (breakfast only)
If you provide meals, you must apply for a Food Facility Operating Permit through the Department of Health Services
Posting notification required
Not allowed on Williamson Act lands
Bed & Breakfasts
2-5 guestrooms in rooms or guesthouse**
Property manager in residence
Price includes any meals provided (breakfast only)
If you provide meals, you must apply for a Food Facility Operating Permit through the Department of Health Services
Posting notification required
Events allowed with a Use permit
Not allowed on Williamson Act lands
Vacation Rental
2 guests per bedroom, plus 2 additional guests per property
5 or fewer guestrooms, up to 12 guests (maximum)
6 or more guestrooms requires a Use permit
Owner or designated operator is a Certified Vacation Rental Property Manager
Must maintain Annual Vacation Rental License
Posting notification required
Events allowed with a Special Event permit
Not allowed on Williamson Act lands
Marketing Accommodations
2 or fewer guestrooms in a single family dwelling or guest house**
No commercial accommodation use
These accommodations are not subject to the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) as they are not to be rented out
Marketing accommodations are not allowed on properties where other commercial accommodations are present
Must directly relate and support the farming operation on site
Marketing accommodations are private units used by distributors, investors, partners, and owners of a processing facility to promote their agricultural products
Allowed on Williamson Act lands
Campground / RV Hookups / Glamping
Starting a campground on your farm is expensive and requires working with state and local regulators. This includes tent camping sites, RVs hook-ups, or other structures (such as yurts or cabins for glamping experiences).
You will need to apply for a Use permit with Permit Sonoma and Permit to Construct from HCD at the same time. Do not start any construction for your campsite until you have applied for a Permit to Construct from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Maximum of 30 sites on LEA and DA (except for RRD).
HCD requires:
Owner or designated operator is Certified Park Manager
Must pass annual inspections
Not allowed on Williamson Act lands
SOP only allowed, DA, and RRD sites
Low Impact Camping Areas
In 2026, California passed California Assembly Bill 518, which allows for low-impact camping areas (LICAs). LICAs are small campsites that operate on private land without a state permit. These campsites are restricted to property that is at least two acres, with a maximum of one campsite per acre. The County of Sonoma has yet to approve this measure locally, but there is growing interest in this program, especially amongst local farmers. You can learn more about AB 518 from HipCamp!
State & Local Regulations
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
For all accommodation types (except marketing accommodations)
Tax rate of 12%
File and pay taxes quarterly
Maintain your TOT records for 5 years
Other Environmental Health Regulations
Food Facility Operation Permit
For any accommodation type that offers meals (farmstays, hosted rentals, bed & breakfasts)
Commercial kitchen appliances not required
Dishwasher must reach a minimum of 160 degrees (F)
Check out this guide from the California Conference of Directors on Environmental Health: Bed & Breakfast | Agricultural Homestay Food Facilities Guidelines
California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)
For any accommodation that offers meals and wants to provide alcohol to their guests (farmstays, hosted rentals, bed & breakfasts)
There are 2 types of licenses farm accommodations are eligible for:
Type 67: Beer and Wine Only
Type 80: Beer, Wine, and Distilled Spirits
As part of your application, you are required to notify residents/owners of properties within a 500-foot radius
Resources
UC Publications
Marketing Strategies (pdf)
Where to Start (pdf)
Licensing & Permitting Fees
Hosting Platforms
Other Agritourism Resources
Insurance Discussion Sheet (pdf)
Last updated summer 2026