Permit Requirements: Berkeley vs Castro Valley
How do permit requirements rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Castro Valley, CA?
Castro Valley has fewer restrictions than Berkeley.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley requires a Short-Term Rental (STR) permit for rentals under 14 consecutive days. STRs are limited to owner-occupied primary residences with a strict 90-day annual cap for un-hosted stays.
View full Berkeley rules →Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County
Unincorporated Alameda County requires rental housing registration under Chapter 6.64. STRs under 30 days prohibited in ADUs and JADUs. Business license required for any rental activity. Annual registration renewal required.
View full Castro Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Castro Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Primary residence only, 275+ days occupancy | - |
| Un-hosted Cap | 90 nights per calendar year | - |
| Hosted | No day limit when host is on-site | - |
| Permit | STR Permit plus Business License required | - |
| Contact | Planning (510) 981-7410 | - |
| Registration | - | Rental Housing Registry required |
| ADU/JADU | - | STRs under 30 days prohibited |
| Business License | - | Required for rental activity |
| Renewal | - | Annual — late fees after Jan 1 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Can I rent out a second home in Berkeley on Airbnb?
No. Berkeley restricts STRs to the host primary residence only. Second homes cannot be used as short-term rentals.
What happens if I exceed 90 un-hosted nights?
Violations can result in fines up to 1,000 dollars per day and permit revocation. Platforms are also required to de-list non-compliant units.
Castro Valley FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Alameda County?
Unincorporated Alameda County requires rental housing registration under Chapter 6.64. STRs under 30 days prohibited in ADUs and JADUs. Business license required for any rental activity. Annual registration renewal required.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Alameda County?
Registration: Rental Housing Registry required. ADU/JADU: STRs under 30 days prohibited. Business License: Required for rental activity. Renewal: Annual — late fees after Jan 1.
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