Comprehensive Guide to Operating a Airbnb or Short-Term Rental in Chula Vista, California.
This comprehensive guide outlines the necessary permits and regulations for renting an Airbnb, VRBO, or other short-term rental home in Chula Vista, California.
Required Permits and Licenses
1. Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit
To legally operate an Airbnb in Chula Vista, you must obtain a Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit. This permit is mandatory for all short-term rental properties within the city limits. The application fee for the STR permit is $250, with an annual renewal fee of $175.
2. Business License
In addition to the STR permit, you must apply for a Business License. This license is required for all business operations within the city, including short-term rentals.
3. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate
All short-term rental operators must obtain a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate. This certificate is necessary for collecting the 10% TOT on stays of 30 nights or less.
4. Primary Residency Declaration
You must complete a Primary Residency Declaration form to confirm that the property is your primary residence. This form is part of the STR permit application process.
5. Proof of Insurance
The city requires proof of liability insurance with coverage of at least one million dollars. Alternatively, you can conduct each rental transaction through a hosting platform with equivalent insurance coverage.
Eligibility and Operational Limits
1. Residency Requirement
Only Chula Vista residents are eligible to operate short-term rentals within the city. Non-residents are not permitted to apply for STR permits.
2. Permit Limits
Each resident is allowed a maximum of two STR permits: one for their primary residence and one for a non-primary residence.
3. Rental Duration and Occupancy
Minimum Stay: There is a two-night minimum stay requirement for whole-home rentals.
Maximum Occupancy: The maximum occupancy is limited to 2 guests per bedroom, plus 2 additional guests, with a total cap of 10 people per rental.
Rental Days: You can rent out the entirety of your primary residence for up to 90 days a year, or any portion of your residence without any time limit.
Compliance and Enforcement
1. Good Neighbor Guidelines
Operators must provide all guests with a copy of Chula Vista's Good Neighbor Guidelines. These guidelines include rules on noise, parking, and other community standards.
2. Local Contact Person
A local contact person must be available 24/7 to respond to complaints or emergencies within 60 minutes.
3. Noise and Parking Regulations
Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are enforced from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m.
Parking: Rentals must provide off-street parking when possible and cannot post signs advertising the STR.
4. Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violations of the STR regulations can result in fines ranging from $100 to $2,000. Repeated violations may lead to the suspension or revocation of the STR permit.
Application Process
Steps to Apply
Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you meet the residency and property requirements.
Obtain TOT Certificate: Apply for the Transient Occupancy Tax Certificate from the city.
Apply for Business License: Submit an application for a Business License through the city's online portal.
Submit STR Permit Application: Complete the STR permit application, including the Primary Residency Declaration form and other required documents.
Prepare Property: Ensure your property meets all regulatory requirements, including insurance and local contact person arrangements.
Create Online Listing: List your property on Airbnb or other hosting platforms, including your STR permit number.
Conclusion
Operating an Airbnb in Chula Vista requires several permits and adherence to specific regulations designed to ensure responsible hosting and community harmony. By following the outlined steps and maintaining compliance with local laws, you can successfully convert your single-family home into a short-term rental.
For further information or assistance, you can contact the City of Chula Vista Development Services Department at dsd@chulavistaca.gov or (619) 691-5101.
Disclaimer: Please note that this is not legal advice. We have compiled a summary from multiple sources to simplify and summarize how to comply with local ordinances, and state and federal laws. Please consult legal council or contact the municipality, as outlined above.
