Occupancy Limits: Bostonia vs San Diego
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Bostonia, CA and San Diego, CA?
Bostonia has fewer restrictions than San Diego.
Bostonia, 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 Bostonia rules →San Diego, CA
San Diego County
San Diego's Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) ordinance under SDMC Chapter 5, Article 10, Division 1 establishes occupancy limits tied to the license tier. A two-night minimum guest stay is required for Tier 2 (home-sharing), Tier 3 (whole-home), and Tier 4 (Mission Beach whole-home) licenses. Hosts must post exterior signage with TOT certificate number, STRO license number, and contact information. Good Neighbor policies apply to all tiers.
View full San Diego rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bostonia | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Code Section | - | SDMC Ch. 5, Art. 10, Div. 1 |
| Minimum Stay | - | 2-night minimum for Tiers 2, 3, and 4 |
| Tier 1 | - | Part-time; max 20 days/year aggregate |
| Tier 3 | - | Whole-home; host not onsite; 90-day min utilization |
| Signage | - | Exterior posting of TOT and STRO license numbers required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bostonia 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 Diego FAQ
Is there a maximum guest count per STR unit?
Occupancy must comply with the building's permitted occupancy load. Good Neighbor requirements prohibit exceeding safe occupancy and require quiet hours compliance.
Can I rent my ADU as a short-term rental?
ADUs may be eligible for STRO licensing depending on the tier. Check with the City Treasurer's office for current eligibility requirements.
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