Comprehensive Guide to Operating an Airbnb or Short-Term Rental in San Diego, California.
This comprehensive guide outlines the necessary permits and regulations for renting an Airbnb, VRBO, or other short-term rental home in San Diego, California.
Required Permits and Licenses
1. Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) License
To legally rent out a property on a short-term basis in San Diego, you must obtain a Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) license. This license is mandatory for all short-term rental operators within the city limits. The STRO license application process includes selecting the appropriate tier based on the rental type and duration.
2. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate
Hosts are required to obtain a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate. This certificate allows the collection of tourist taxes from guests, which must be remitted to the city. The TOT number must be added to your Airbnb listing.
3. Rental Unit Business Tax Account Number
Every short-term rental host in San Diego must also have a Rental Unit Business Tax Account Number. This is necessary for the collection and remittance of business taxes associated with the rental income.
Compliance and Operational Requirements
1. Safety and Equipment Standards
Airbnb hosts must ensure that each dwelling unit is equipped with functioning smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers to comply with safety regulations.
2. Parking Solutions
Hosts must provide on-site parking or viable parking solutions as stipulated by the San Diego Municipal Code.
3. Zoning and Land Use Regulations
Zoning and land use regulations are crucial for maintaining the city's orderly development. Hosts must ensure their property complies with these regulations.
4. License Limitations and Caps
San Diego caps whole-home rentals available for over 20 days per year, limited to 1% of the city's housing inventory. Additionally, a host may only hold one short-term rental license for one dwelling unit at a time.
5. Tier System for Licenses
San Diego offers four types of licenses for short-term rentals:
Tier 1: Part-time rentals for up to 19 nights per year.
Tier 2: Rentals where the owner lives onsite and considers the home their primary residence.
Tier 3: Whole-home rentals for more than 20 days per year, excluding Mission Beach.
Tier 4: Whole-home rentals in Mission Beach, which are not applicable here.
6. Minimum Stay Requirements
For license holders under Tiers 3 and 4, a two-night minimum stay is required.
Application Process and Fees
1. Application Submission
After submitting the application and paying the required fee, you typically receive a license number within one business day via email. The license fee is $250 and must be renewed annually.
2. Fee Structure
Fees vary depending on the type of Tier license you apply for. Licenses are valid for two years from the date of issuance.
Enforcement and Penalties
1. Compliance Enforcement
San Diego has established a new enforcement division to ensure compliance with the regulations. Non-compliance with the Short-Term Rental Ordinance may result in penalties starting at $1,000.
2. Reporting Violations
Complaints regarding short-term rentals, such as noise or trash issues, can be reported to the city's Code Enforcement.
Conclusion
Operating an Airbnb in San Diego 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 home into an Airbnb or short-term rental.
In San Diego, to convert a single-family home into an Airbnb in San Diego, you must secure a STRO license, a TOT Certificate, and a Rental Unit Business Tax Account Number. Compliance with safety standards, zoning regulations, and operational requirements is essential. The application process involves selecting the appropriate license tier, submitting the application, and paying the associated fees. Adherence to these regulations ensures a legal and smooth operation of your short-term rental. By following these guidelines, you can successfully navigate the permitting process and operate your Airbnb in San Diego.
For further information or assistance, you can contact the City of San Diego’s Short-Term Rental Portal, by emailing them stro@sandiego.gov or by calling their office at 619-615-6120.
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.
