Night Caps: El Cajon vs San Diego
How do night caps rules compare between El Cajon, CA and San Diego, CA?
El Cajon has fewer restrictions than San Diego.
El Cajon, CA
San Diego County
El Cajon does not impose a specific annual night cap on short-term rentals. Properties with valid STR permits may operate year-round. The city regulates STRs primarily through permit conditions, noise ordinance compliance, and the 10% Transient Occupancy Tax.
View full El Cajon rules →San Diego, CA
San Diego County
San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 5, Article 10, Division 1 (STRO Ordinance, effective May 1, 2023) sets a 20-day annual threshold that determines licensing tier: Tier 1 allows up to 20 days per calendar year of any STRO use; any rental beyond 20 days requires a Tier 2 (home share), Tier 3 (whole-home outside Mission Beach), or Tier 4 (Mission Beach whole-home) license.
View full San Diego rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cajon | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Night Cap | None — year-round operation allowed | - |
| Hosted/Un-hosted | No distinction in night limits | - |
| TOT Required | 10% on all stays under 30 days | - |
| Business License | Required under ECMC Title 5 | - |
| Primary Control | Operational standards, not quantity | - |
| Authority | - | SDMC Chapter 5, Article 10, Division 1 |
| Effective Date | - | May 1, 2023 |
| Tier 1 (Part-Time) | - | ≤20 days/calendar year, no cap |
| Tier 2 (Home Share) | - | >20 days/year, host onsite ≥275 days, no cap |
| Tier 3 (Whole Home) | - | >20 days/year, capped ≈1% of citywide housing |
| Tier 4 (Mission Beach) | - | >20 days/year, capped ≈30% of MB units |
| Minimum Booking | - | 2 consecutive nights (Tiers 3 & 4) |
| Minimum Use | - | ≥90 days/year for Tier 3 & 4 (SDMC 510.0107) |
| Administered By | - | City Treasurer STRO Program (619) 615-6120 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Cajon FAQ
Is there a limit on how many nights I can rent my STR in El Cajon?
No. El Cajon does not impose an annual night cap on short-term rentals. Permitted properties may operate year-round.
Do I need to be present when guests stay?
El Cajon does not distinguish between hosted and un-hosted STR stays for night cap purposes. All operations must comply with permit conditions.
How does El Cajon regulate STRs without a night cap?
The city focuses on operational standards including noise compliance, parking, property maintenance, TOT collection, and business licensing rather than limiting the number of rental nights.
San Diego FAQ
How many nights per year can I rent my San Diego home short-term?
If your aggregate STRO use is 20 days or less per calendar year, a Tier 1 license is sufficient under SDMC Chapter 5, Article 10, Division 1. Renting more than 20 days per year requires a Tier 2 home-share license (host onsite), a Tier 3 whole-home license outside Mission Beach, or a Tier 4 license inside Mission Beach. Tier 3 and Tier 4 licenses are capped and currently distributed by lottery.
Is there a maximum number of nights for a Tier 3 whole-home rental?
There is no per-year maximum night cap on Tier 3 or Tier 4 use, but SDMC Section 510.0107 requires a minimum 90-day STRO use per license term and limits the host's absence accordingly. Each booking must also be at least two consecutive nights. The binding limit is the citywide 1% Tier 3 cap on the total number of licenses, not days per license.
What if I exceed 20 days without upgrading to a Tier 2, 3, or 4 license?
Operating beyond 20 days per calendar year without the proper tier license violates SDMC Chapter 5, Article 10, Division 1. The Office of the City Treasurer can issue civil penalties, revoke the Tier 1 license, and pursue unpaid Transient Occupancy Tax. Hosting platforms must also remove unlicensed listings. Confirm your tier with STRO Administration at (619) 615-6120.
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