Short-Term Rentals

On October 25, 2022, the Santa Fe County (County) Board of County Commissioners (Board) adopted Ordinance 2022-07 to license and regulate Short-Term Rentals in the County. Read the full Ordinance here. Beginning on March 15, 2023, no person may operate a STR without a Business Registration or Business License. 

Appointments are required to begin the Short-Term Rental application process. Prepare for your appointment by reviewing the relevant sample application packet below. Schedule an appointment now with the County's Growth Management Department at 505-986-6225. 

Owner-Occupied vs. Non-Owner Occupied:

• Owner-Occupied: “a Dwelling that is the Owner’s primary residence or an Accessory Dwelling Unit that is located on the same legal lot of record as the Owner’s primary residence” (3.6).
• Non-Owner Occupied: “a Dwelling that is not Owner-Occupied” (3.7).

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Temporary Moratorium:

Ordinance No. 2022-07 precludes property acquired after the effective date of the ordinance from being processed or licensed as a Non-Owner Occupied Short-Term Rental during the one-year moratorium enacted by that ordinance. In other words, property owned on or before November 25, 2022, may be licensed as a Non-Owner Occupied Short-Term Rental even if it is not developed as such until after that date.  This temporary moratorium is necessary to allow time for the Board to study and analyze issues related to Non-Owner Occupied Short-Term Rentals, including, but not limited to the impact they may have on affordable housing supply, areas where they conflict with primary residential uses established in traditional and historic communities, and non-compliance and enforcement issues, and develop any appropriate regulations. Owner-Occupied Short-Term Rentals may be registered regardless of when the property was acquired. 

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Application Packets:

The following Application Packets include a Checklist, Application, and STR Fire Code Compliance Certification form. Appointments are required to begin the application process.

• Owner-Occupied
• Non-Owner Occupied

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Schedule an Appointment Now:

Santa Fe County Growth Management Department

505-986-6225