Occupancy Limits: Berkeley vs Castro Valley
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Castro Valley, CA?
Berkeley and Castro Valley have similar restriction levels.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley STR occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom plus two additional occupants, consistent with California building and housing codes.
View full Berkeley rules →Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County
Unincorporated Alameda County does not set an STR-specific occupancy cap but enforces building code, fire code, and nuisance rules that effectively limit total guests based on bedrooms and egress.
View full Castro Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Castro Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Limit | 2 per bedroom + 2 additional | - |
| Example 2BR | Maximum 6 occupants | - |
| Postings | Max occupancy must be posted | - |
| Day Guests | Count toward gathering limits | - |
| Enforcement | Berkeley Fire and Code Enforcement | - |
| Numeric STR cap | - | Not set in county code |
| Building code | - | Egress and alarm requirements apply |
| Common formula | - | 2 per bedroom plus 2 (industry norm) |
| Nuisance rules | - | Apply to over-occupancy impacts |
| Events and parties | - | Additional restrictions may apply |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Can I host a wedding reception at my Berkeley STR?
No. Events exceeding posted occupancy require event permits and are generally not allowed at residential STRs.
Do children count toward the occupancy limit?
Yes. All occupants including infants and children count toward the posted maximum under fire code.
Castro Valley FAQ
Can I rent a sofa bed as a bedroom?
Only legal, permitted bedrooms should count toward maximum occupancy; using a living room as a bedroom can violate egress rules.
Are party-sized bookings allowed?
Large events at an STR can trigger nuisance, parking, and noise enforcement and most hosts prohibit them in house rules.
Compare other topics
See how Berkeley and Castro Valley compare on other ordinance categories.
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