Short-Term Rentals in San Marcos, CA (2026)
6 verified short-term rentals rules for San Marcos, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Permit Requirements
San Marcos requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a business license. STRs are generally prohibited in most residential zones unless explicitly permitted by an applicable Specific Plan. A density limit of one STR per block or one per 660-foot radius applies. Property owners within 400 feet must be notified of new STR applications.
San Marcos Short-Term Rental Permit & Business License Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsNoise Rules
Short-term rental guests in San Marcos must comply with the city's noise ordinance under Chapter 10.24. Quiet hours of 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 11 PM to 7 AM on weekends apply to all properties including STRs. Hosts are responsible for ensuring guest compliance.
San Marcos Short-Term Rental Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsTaxes & Fees
San Marcos imposes a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on all short-term rentals of 30 days or fewer. Hosts must register with the city, obtain a TOT certificate, and collect and remit the tax. The TOT certificate number must be displayed on all rental advertisements.
San Marcos Transient Occupancy Tax for Short-Term Rentals
Heavy RestrictionsParking Rules
Short-term rental guests in San Marcos must comply with the city's general parking regulations. Vehicles cannot remain parked on public streets for more than 72 hours. RV parking on residential streets is prohibited. Hosts should provide adequate off-street parking information to guests.
San Marcos Short-Term Rental Parking Requirements
Some RestrictionsOccupancy Limits
San Marcos does not publish a numeric guest cap (e.g., two-per-bedroom) in its Municipal Code. STRs are generally prohibited in residential zones unless allowed by an applicable Specific Plan, and where allowed are limited to one STR per block or per 660 feet, with a city business license and 10% Transient Occupancy Tax on stays of 30 consecutive days or fewer.
short-term-rentals/occupancy-limits
Some RestrictionsInsurance Requirements
San Marcos does not publish a city STR liability-insurance minimum in the Municipal Code. Because STRs are generally prohibited in residential zones unless allowed by an applicable Specific Plan, there is no citywide STR permit to which a certificate-of-insurance requirement attaches. Hosts are typically advised to carry commercial general liability coverage because standard homeowner policies often exclude rental activity.
short-term-rentals/insurance-requirements
Few RestrictionsLooking for San Diego County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Marcos city rules.
Short-Term Rentals in San Diego County →