Short-Term Rentals in San Mateo, CA (2026)
8 verified short-term rentals rules for San Mateo, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Permit Requirements
San Mateo requires annual STR registration ($250/year), a business license, and TOT certification under SMMC Ch. 5.66 (effective Feb 1, 2021). ADUs cannot be registered. Unhosted stays capped at 120 days/year. HdL Companies administers the program.
City of San Mateo Short-Term Rental Registration
Heavy RestrictionsNoise Rules
STR guests must comply with all San Mateo noise ordinances. San Mateo's noise code is strict with tiered decibel limits. Hosts are responsible for guest conduct. Code enforcement hotline (650) 522-7150 handles complaints.
City of San Mateo STR Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsTaxes & Fees
San Mateo charges 14% TOT on all short-term stays under 30 days under SMMC Ch. 3.56. TOT is remitted monthly by the last day of each month. Registration fee is $250/year in addition to TOT.
City of San Mateo STR Transient Occupancy Tax
Heavy RestrictionsParking Rules
San Mateo requires STR properties with 1–3 bedrooms to have at least 1 off-street parking space, and 4+ bedrooms at least 2 spaces. Oversized vehicles (RVs) are prohibited from on-street parking in residential areas overnight.
City of San Mateo STR Parking Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. Vehicle Code Sec. 22651 (Authority to Remove Parked or Abandoned Vehicles)
22651. A peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, or a regularly employed and salaried employee who is engaged in directing traffic or enforcing parking laws and regulations of a city, county, or jurisdiction of a state agency in which a vehicle is located may remove a vehicle located within the territorial limits in which th...
Occupancy Limits
San Mateo limits STR occupancy to two people per bedroom or ten people per property, whichever is less, under Chapter 5.66. Events including weddings, parties, and corporate functions are prohibited at STR properties. Un-hosted rentals are limited to 120 days per year.
San Mateo Short-Term Rental Occupancy Limits
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code Sec. 17920.3 (Substandard Buildings — Occupancy and Habitability)
17920.3. Any building or portion thereof, regardless of zoning designation or approved uses of the building, including any dwelling unit, guestroom or suite of rooms, or the premises on which the same is located, in which there exists any of the following listed conditions to an extent that endangers the life, limb, health, property, safety, or welfare of the occupants of the building, nearby r...
Insurance Requirements
San Mateo's STR ordinance (Chapter 5.66) does not mandate specific minimum liability insurance as a condition of registration. Operators are encouraged to carry adequate coverage. Platform insurance (Airbnb AirCover) provides some protection but has limitations.
San Mateo Short-Term Rental Insurance
Few RestrictionsNight Caps
San Mateo Municipal Code Section 5.66.040 caps un-hosted (host not on-site) short-term rentals at 120 days per calendar year, beginning on the registration date. Hosted rentals, where the registered host is present on-site for the duration of the stay, have no annual day cap. Occupancy is also limited to two people per bedroom or ten people per property, whichever is less.
San Mateo Short-Term Rental Night Caps
Heavy RestrictionsRegistration Rules
The City of San Mateo requires every short-term rental host to obtain a Short-Term Rental Registration under San Mateo Municipal Code Chapter 5.66 before advertising or accepting guests. Hosts must also hold a city Business License, file a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certification, and follow operating standards. The annual registration fee is $250, due July 1, and registration is personal to the host and expires automatically upon sale or transfer of the property.
San Mateo Short-Term Rental Registration
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for San Mateo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Mateo city rules.
Short-Term Rentals in San Mateo County →