Occupancy Limits: Chula Vista vs San Diego
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Chula Vista, CA and San Diego, CA?
Chula Vista and San Diego have similar restriction levels.
Chula Vista, CA
San Diego County
Chula Vista's STR ordinance (CVMC 5.68) limits occupancy based on the number of bedrooms. The permit specifies the maximum number of overnight guests allowed. Operators must post occupancy limits in the rental unit and communicate them to guests before booking.
View full Chula Vista 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 | Chula Vista | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Bedroom count and fire code capacity | - |
| Posting | Limits must be posted in the unit | - |
| Pre-Booking | Must communicate limits before booking | - |
| ADUs After 2020 | Cannot be used as STRs | - |
| Events | STR event permit may allow additional guests | - |
| 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.
Chula Vista FAQ
How many guests can stay at a Chula Vista short-term rental?
The maximum occupancy is specified in the STR permit based on the bedroom count and fire code capacity. The limit must be posted in the unit and communicated to guests before booking.
Can I rent my ADU as a short-term rental?
ADUs and JADUs for which a construction permit was applied for on or after January 1, 2020 may not be used as short-term rentals under CVMC 5.68.
Can I host an event at my STR?
Events beyond normal rental occupancy require an STR event permit under CVMC 5.68.120, which may include additional conditions for noise, parking, and occupancy.
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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