Is Airbnb legal in Santa Fe?

In Santa Fe, short-term rentals (STRs), including platforms like Airbnb, are regulated under a specific ordinance aimed at balancing tourism with neighborhood concerns. All STR hosts must obtain a Business Registration and either a Residential Short-Term Rental Permit or a Non-Residential Short-Term Rental Registration, based on their property's zoning. Here are some key regulations:

1. Permits and Licenses: A maximum of 1,000 short-term rental permits is allowed in residential zones, while non-residential properties do not have a cap on registrations. Each STR unit requires a valid permit and business license.

2. Proximity Rules: STR units in residential areas cannot be located within 50 feet of one another. In multi-unit buildings, no more than 25% of the units can be operated as STRs.

3. Occupancy Limitations: Residential STRs are limited to one rental per unit every seven days; this restriction is lifted during peak tourist seasons (November 15 to January 15).

4. Local Operator Requirement: Hosts must designate a local operator who can respond to any issues within one hour of being notified.

5. Neighbor Notification: STR owners must notify neighbors within 200 feet of their permit approval and maintain an updated mailing list.

6. Record Keeping: Owners are required to maintain detailed records of their rentals, which must be available for city review, and they must collect and remit applicable taxes.

7. Application Fees: The application process includes fees—$100 for application, $290 for permits or registrations, and $35 for a business license.

8. Advertising Compliance: Hosting platforms must display the permit number in all listings, and advertisements must include this information to avoid penalties.

These regulations aim to foster responsible hosting while addressing local concerns, ensuring that short-term rentals contribute positively to the Santa Fe community. For more details, hosts are encouraged to contact the city's Short-Term Rental Office or consult the official municipal code.