Short-Term Rentals in San Rafael, CA (2026)
4 verified short-term rentals rules for San Rafael, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Permit Requirements
Chapter 10.110 of the SRMC, added by Ordinance 1976, requires every short-term rental in San Rafael to be registered annually with the City. The initial registration fee is $170 and the annual renewal is $135. Registration is processed by Rentalscape, the City's third-party operator (effective December 1, 2022).
San Rafael STR Registration (Chapter 10.110)
Heavy RestrictionsSan Rafael Short-Term Rental Program eligibility criteria (SRMC Chapter 10.110)
All or a portion of the residential unit is offered for tourist or transient use by the permanent resident of the residential unit; the residential unit is the primary residence of the permanent resident; the permanent resident is a natural person; and the permanent resident has registered the residential unit and maintains good standing with the City of San Rafael.
Noise Rules
STR listings must include the notice that quiet hours are observed between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. and that no outdoor amplified sound is allowed at any time. This is stricter than the citywide §8.13 nighttime rule.
San Rafael STR Quiet Hours and Outdoor Sound Ban
Heavy RestrictionsSan Rafael Short-Term Rental Program operational standards (SRMC Chapter 10.110)
Quiet hours must be observed between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m., and no outdoor amplified sound is allowed. All advertisements, posts, and listings must include notification that quiet hours must be observed between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. and that no outdoor amplified sound is allowed.
Occupancy Limits
Chapter 10.110 caps overnight occupancy at two individuals per bedroom plus two additional individuals if the rental provides additional living space (e.g., a futon or sofa-sleeper). A studio is two; a one-bedroom is four; a two-bedroom is six.
San Rafael STR Guest Occupancy Cap
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Marin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Rafael city rules.
Short-Term Rentals in Marin County →