Sonoma County Fire District

Vacation  Rental Inspection Requirements

An Annual Fire Life Safety Inspection is required to operate a Vacation Rental  in Sonoma County.

Vacation Rental Business License & Renewal.

The Vacation Rental Business License will not be valid, until your inspection is completed, and the inspection fee is paid. 

 The Annual Fire Life Safety Inspection Fee is: $382.00

(Please note effective 9/18/2025 the fee will increase to $391.00)

Subject: Annual Fire Code Operational Permit and Inspection Requirement for Non-Hosted Vacation Rentals

Dear Vacation Rental Owner or Property Manager,

The Sonoma County Fire District (SCFD) is reaching out to notify you of a regulatory requirement applicable to all non-hosted vacation rental properties located within our jurisdiction. In accordance with the 2022 California Fire Code, as amended and adopted by SCFD and the County of Sonoma, all non-hosted vacation rentals must obtain an Annual Fire Code Operational Permit, which includes a required annual fire and life safety inspection. The cost of this permit and inspection is $382, as outlined in SCFD’s adopted Fire Prevention Fee Schedule.

Next Steps:  If you operate a non-hosted vacation rental within the SCFD’s jurisdiction, you are required to:

• Schedule a fire and life safety inspection by contacting our Fire Prevention Division.
• (707) 892-0165 or visit our online scheduling site at:  https://www.sonomacountyfd.org/vacation-rental-inspections ( Scroll down on this page)
• Please Remit the fee upon invoice or at time of inspection.
• Current fee $382.00 ( after 9/18/2025 fee increases to $391.00) 

Legal Authority and Code Reference:  SCFD derives its authority to enforce this requirement from the 2022 amended and adopted California Fire Code (CFC), specifically:

• CFC Section 105.5.54, as adopted by both SCFD and the County of Sonoma, identifies vacation rentals as occupancies requiring an annual Fire Code Operational Permit.

·         The County of Sonoma Vacation Rental Ordinance, Chapter 4, Section 4-204 E further affirms the need for compliance with all applicable local fire and life safety regulations.  “Other Laws and Permits. Nothing in this section eliminates the need for a licensee to comply with local, state, or federal law, or to obtain other permits, approvals, or authorizations required by this code or state or federal agencies.”

• The SCFD Fire Prevention Fee Schedule, adopted in accordance with California Government Code, establishes the permit and inspection cost.

These local amendments and ordinances are designed to safeguard occupants and emergency responders and to ensure that vacation rentals meet minimum fire and life safety standards.

What is the difference between SCFD & County of Sonoma:  Please note the distinction between the County of Sonoma and the Sonoma County Fire District. While the County regulates land use and licensing for vacation rentals through its Planning and Code Enforcement divisions, SCFD is an independent fire agency responsible for fire protection and emergency services in our designated district, including enforcement of the Fire Code.

Why This Matters:  This permit and inspection process is not designed for enforcement; this permitting inspection ensures that the property is safe for your valued guest as well as making sure your property investment is in compliance with local and state fire and life safety ordinances, limiting your liability as a business owner and protecting your asset.  During these inspections we have found rentals with no smoke alarms, rooms without proper exiting and other life safety hazards and liabilities.  Such incidents highlight the importance of regular inspections and adherence to fire safety regulations.

We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our community and visitors safe. If you have any questions or need to verify whether your property falls within SCFD jurisdiction, please contact Inspector, Chad Hall  (707) 892-0165 or email chall@sonomacountyfd.org.

Sincerely,

Cyndi Foreman
Division Chief/Fire Marshal
Sonoma County Fire District

Schedule Your Annual  Vacation Rental Inspection Below:

https://Sonomacountyfiredistrictvacationrentalschedulingforwindsor.as.me/ 

Or contact:

Sonoma County Fire District, Prevention Division

Office (707) 892-2441

Vacation Rental Inspection Requirements

Site Access

·         Site address clearly posted and visible from the public way

·         Access to the main entrance is free of any obstructions and that any steps, stairs,

          landings, handrails, or guardrails are code compliant

·         Fire apparatus access unobstructed

·         Fire hydrants unobstructed

·         Gas meters and electric breakers labeled

 Exiting

·        All exits unobstructed

·        Egress doors open easily, without use of key

·        Egress windows unobstructed and operable

·        Stairs and railing maintained

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

All vacation rental homes require smoke & carbon monoxide alarms installed in accordance with the 2019 California Residential Code (CRC) and will be verified at the time of your fire and life safety inspection.

Smoke Alarms shall be installed in the following locations:

·         In each sleeping room

·         Outside each sleeping area (hallway) in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms

·         On each additional story of the dwelling, including basements but not including

          crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics

·         Battery operated 10 yr. alarms

·         Alarms should be hard wired with battery back up

·         Consider installing flashing alarms for people who are hearing impaired

·         Test alarms once a month

·         Replace batteries every 6 months if they are not 10 yr. alarms

Carbon Monoxide Alarms shall be installed in the following locations:

·         Outside of each separate dwelling unit sleeping area in the immediate

          vicinity of the bedroom(s)

·         On every level of a dwelling unit including basements

Please note:

Alarms must be installed according to manufacturer’s specifications prior to, and available  to inspect at the time of the fire safety inspection.

Fire Extinguishers

·           Extinguishers must have annual service and documentation

·           Extinguishers must be professionally inspected annually or have receipt taped to

            extinguisher if purchased within a year

Suggested locations         

·         Placed in kitchen under sink

·         Place outside BBQ area

Electrical

·         Extension cords used only for temporary use

·         Sufficient electrical panel clearance

·         No open gaps in breaker box

·         Electrical outlet not overused

·         Cover plates installed on all outlets

·         Electrical cords maintained free of splicing 

Interior:              

·         Water Heater/HVAC - Free from storage and have compliant venting

·         Dryer Duct Cleaning - Lint traps regularly maintained and clear

·         Windows in bedrooms are operable, meet minimum size requirements, and do not

          have bars or other obstructions that prevent egress

Exterior:

·         All exterior areas shall be free of weeds, debris & trash

·         Open flame cooking devices away from overhangs/trees

·         Disposal Of BBQ /or fireplace ash in metal can with lid ONLY. Never dispose of ash

          or charcoal in yard waste containers

·         Wood burning fire pits must have an appropriate screening to capture embers

·         Use BBQs (gas or charcoal) in safe location away from combustion construction

          and Vegetation

·         Pool - pool area fenced and gated

·         Hot Tub - locking cover

·         Sliding Doors - sensors - local alarm

 Hazardous Materials

·         Compressed gas cylinders properly secured

·         Pool chemicals properly stored and labeled 

Not required but suggested:

·         Wrench by the gas meter

          Keep documentation on:

·         Frequency of smoke alarm testing

·         Keep documentation on frequency of dryer duct cleaning

Information Binder

House address

Property manager after hours numbers

Non-emergency contacts #s

Police non-emergency 707-838-1234

Fire non-emergency 707-838-1170

Sonoma County Evacuation Zone Map

Emergency links

Nixle/ SOCO Alert

All forms of open flames are discouraged during Red Flag Weather Conditions