Escondido, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Rental Restrictions (2026)

Escondido has confirmed publicly through the Planning Division ADU FAQ that the City does not permit short-term rentals (under 30 days) within City limits. Rental periods of 30 days or more are required for any residential property, including ADUs and JADUs. There is no STR registration program or transient occupancy permitting pathway for residential properties — short-term rentals operating without authority are subject to code enforcement under the Escondido Municipal Code. State law (Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(7)) further requires that ADUs permitted after January 1, 2020 be rented for terms of 30 days or more, reinforcing the city-level prohibition. Long-term rentals (30+ days) are permitted without a separate license, consistent with Article 70 and state ADU law; standard landlord-tenant provisions of the California Civil Code, including statewide rent caps under AB 1482 (Civ. Code §1947.12) where applicable, apply. Hotel and motel uses are a separate land-use class confined to commercial and mixed-use zoning districts under the Escondido Zoning Code and require a conditional use permit. The City of Escondido is in San Diego County and is not subject to the unincorporated County STR ordinance; the local Escondido prohibition controls.