Occupancy Limits: Bonsall vs San Marcos
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Bonsall, CA and San Marcos, CA?
Bonsall has fewer restrictions than San Marcos.
Bonsall, CA
San Diego County
Unincorporated San Diego County does not have a specific short-term rental occupancy ordinance with numeric caps. STR operators must comply with zoning, building codes, and septic/water system capacity. General nuisance provisions apply to overcrowding.
View full Bonsall rules →San Marcos, CA
San Diego County
San Marcos does not publish a numeric guest cap (e.g., two-per-bedroom) in its Municipal Code. STRs are generally prohibited in residential zones unless allowed by an applicable Specific Plan, and where allowed are limited to one STR per block or per 660 feet, with a city business license and 10% Transient Occupancy Tax on stays of 30 consecutive days or fewer.
View full San Marcos rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bonsall | San Marcos |
|---|---|---|
| Specific STR Cap | None in county code | - |
| Occupancy Standard | Building code / septic capacity | - |
| Zoning Check | Verify transient use is permitted | - |
| Enforcement | County PDS / Code Compliance | - |
| Numeric Cap | - | Not published in code |
| Zoning | - | Generally prohibited unless Specific Plan allows |
| Density | - | 1 per block or 660 ft |
| Notice Radius | - | 400 ft for new applications |
| TOT Threshold | - | 30 consecutive days or fewer |
| TOT Rate | - | 10% |
| License | - | City business license required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bonsall FAQ
Does San Diego County limit how many guests can stay in a short-term rental?
The county does not set a specific numeric guest cap for STRs. Occupancy is limited by building code capacity, septic system design, and zoning regulations. Overcrowding that creates a nuisance can be cited.
Do I need a permit to operate an STR in unincorporated San Diego County?
The county does not currently require a specific STR permit or license for unincorporated areas, but you must comply with zoning, collect TOT, and meet all building and safety codes.
Is there an STR ordinance being considered for the unincorporated county?
The county has periodically discussed STR regulations for unincorporated areas. Check with County Planning & Development Services for the latest status on any proposed ordinances.
San Marcos FAQ
How many guests can stay in a San Marcos short-term rental?
The city does not publish a fixed numeric guest cap. The bigger gating issue is zoning: STRs are generally prohibited in residential zones unless an applicable Specific Plan allows them on the parcel.
Does San Diego County's STR ordinance apply inside San Marcos?
No. The County's STRO ordinance (San Diego County Code Sections 21.2901-21.2913) governs unincorporated areas only. Inside the City of San Marcos, the city's zoning rules and business-license requirements apply.
What if my Specific Plan does not address STRs?
If a Specific Plan does not expressly authorize short-term rental as an allowed use on your parcel, the use is prohibited. Confirm with the San Marcos Planning Division at (760) 744-1050 ext. 3204 or planningdivision@san-marcos.net before listing.
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