Night Caps: Bonsall vs Escondido

Is there a limit on how many nights I can rent my property in unincorporated San Diego County?

No. The County has not adopted a short-term rental ordinance with an annual night cap. Unlike the City of San Diego, which restricts most non-primary-residence whole-home rentals through its tiered STRO licensing program, the unincorporated County does not impose night limits. You must, however, register for a TOT certificate and remit 8% Transient Occupancy Tax on stays of 30 days or less.

Do I need a permit or license from the County to short-term rent in an unincorporated area?

No business license is required, but you must register through the County of San Diego TOT portal (tot.sdttc.com) and obtain a TOT certificate. The TOT certificate is explicitly not a permit to operate and does not excuse you from complying with zoning, building, fire, and health rules. Coastal-zone properties may also be subject to California Coastal Commission jurisdiction.

Does this apply if my property is inside a city like Chula Vista or Encinitas?

No. The County Zoning Ordinance and the County TOT apply only in the unincorporated area. Each incorporated city in San Diego County (San Diego, Chula Vista, Carlsbad, Coronado, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City, Oceanside, Poway, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach, Vista) administers its own STR ordinance, license, and TOT rate.

Does Escondido count days the unit is offered but unbooked?

No — only actual rental nights (bookings with paying guests) count toward the 180-night cap. Vacant nights do not accrue.

What qualifies as a hosted rental in Escondido?

A hosted rental means the property owner is physically present on-site (same parcel) during the guest's stay. Hosted rentals are exempt from the 180-night cap.