Registration Rules: Carlsbad vs San Diego
How do registration rules rules compare between Carlsbad, CA and San Diego, CA?
Carlsbad and San Diego have similar restriction levels.
Carlsbad, CA
San Diego County
Carlsbad requires an STVR permit under CMC Chapter 5.60 (adopted 2015). STVRs are only legal in the Coastal Zone. A business license and STVR permit are both required. The 24-hour local contact must respond within 45 minutes.
View full Carlsbad rules →San Diego, CA
San Diego County
San Diego requires STRO licenses under a strict four-tier system effective May 2023. Whole-home STRs capped at 1% of housing stock (~5,400 citywide). Mission Beach allows 30% (~1,100). Fees range from $100 to $1,000 annually.
View full San Diego rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carlsbad | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Coastal Zone only | - |
| Permit Fee | ~$381 + $100 first time | - |
| Contact Response | 45 minutes required | - |
| Revocation | 3 violations in 24 mo | - |
| System | - | 4-tier STRO license |
| Whole-Home Cap | - | 1% of housing (~5,400) |
| Mission Beach | - | 30% cap (~1,100) |
| Fees | - | $100–$1,000/year |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carlsbad FAQ
Can I operate an STVR outside the Coastal Zone?
No. Short-term vacation rentals in Carlsbad are only legal within the Coastal Zone. Properties in La Costa and other inland areas are prohibited.
What does the STVR permit require?
Form P-98 application, Impact Response Plan (P-98A), business license, 24/7 local contact who responds within 45 minutes, and annual renewal.
San Diego FAQ
How many STR licenses can I have?
One license per host. You may not operate more than one dwelling unit for STRO at a time. Licenses are non-transferable.
Can I rent my ADU as a short-term rental?
Only if the ADU received its certificate of occupancy before January 1, 2020. Newer ADUs cannot be used for STRs.
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