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🏠 Short-Term Rentals/Permit Requirements

Permit Requirements: Chula Vista vs San Diego

How do permit requirements 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

Heavy Restrictions

Chula Vista requires STR permits under CVMC Ch. 5.68, effective 2022. Operators must be city residents (275+ days/year) and are limited to two STR permits — one primary residence plus one non-primary. Application fee is $250 with $175 annual renewal.

View full Chula Vista rules →

San Diego, CA

San Diego County

Heavy Restrictions

San Diego requires a Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) license under SDMC Sections 30.18-30.20 for any rental under 30 days. Three license tiers exist with caps: whole-home rentals limited to 1% of the city's housing units (30% in Mission Beach). Active TOT certificate and Rental Unit Business Tax required.

View full San Diego rules →

Key Facts Comparison

FactChula VistaSan Diego
Application Fee$250-
Renewal Fee$175 annually-
Max Permits2 per resident-
Primary Home90 whole-home days/yr-
License Required-STRO License (3 tiers)
Whole-Home Cap-1% of housing units
Mission Beach Cap-30% of housing
Effective Date-May 2022
Code Section-SDMC 30.18-30.20

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Chula Vista FAQ

Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Chula Vista?

Chula Vista requires STR permits under CVMC Ch. 5.68, effective 2022. Operators must be city residents (275+ days/year) and are limited to two STR permits — one primary residence plus one non-primary. Application fee is $250 with $175 annual renewal.

What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Chula Vista?

Application Fee: $250. Renewal Fee: $175 annually. Max Permits: 2 per resident. Primary Home: 90 whole-home days/yr.

San Diego FAQ

Do I need a permit to Airbnb in San Diego?

Yes, all short-term rentals (under 30 days) require a STRO license from the City Treasurer's Office. You also need an active TOT certificate and Rental Unit Business Tax account.

What is the difference between Tier 1, 2, and 3?

Tier 1: home-share while present. Tier 2: primary residence rented while away (20-day limit without Tier 3). Tier 3: year-round whole-home rental, subject to citywide cap and lottery.

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