| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes (STRO license, tiered) |
| Tax Rate | 10.5% TOT |
| Night / Day Cap | Varies by tier |
| Minimum Stay | Varies |
| Permit Fee | Tiered by license type |
| Penalties | Fines apply |
| Primary Residence Required | Tier dependent |
| Occupancy Limit | Per unit |
Short-term rentals in San Diego, California are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes (STRO license, tiered). The associated permit fees are Tiered by license type.
Short-term rental operators in San Diego should be aware of these tax obligations: 10.5% TOT.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in San Diego include: Primary residence requirement: Tier dependent. Rental day cap: Varies by tier. Occupancy limit: Per unit. Minimum stay: Varies.
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in San Diego: License-tier dependent; Mission Beach cap. Density rules: Tier 4 capped at 1% of housing stock. Insurance: Required.
Hosts who fail to comply with San Diego's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Fines apply.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in San Diego: Yes.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in San Diego but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Four-tier STRO licensing; lottery for whole-home licenses.
Yes. San Diego requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes (STRO license, tiered).
Short-term rental hosts in San Diego are subject to the following tax obligations: 10.5% TOT.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in San Diego may face enforcement. Fines apply.
Tiered license system with citywide cap on whole-home rentals.
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