Occupancy Limits: Los Angeles vs San Diego
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA?
Los Angeles has fewer restrictions than San Diego.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Under LAMC 12.22 A.32(d)(11), no more than 2 overnight guests (not including children) are permitted per habitable room. Habitable rooms exclude kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, closets, and utility rooms. Only one booking may be active at a time even if multiple rooms are listed.
View full Los Angeles 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 | Los Angeles | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Occupancy | Max 2 adults per habitable room | - |
| Children | Not counted toward limit | - |
| Bookings | Only 1 active booking at a time | - |
| Code Section | LAMC 12.22 A.32(d)(11) | 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.
Los Angeles FAQ
How many guests can stay in my short-term rental?
Typically 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Check Los Angeles municipal code for exact limits.
What happens if guests exceed the occupancy limit?
The host is responsible. Violations can result in fines and potential permit revocation in Los Angeles.
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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