Permit Requirements: Los Angeles vs San Francisco
How do permit requirements rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco, CA?
Los Angeles and San Francisco have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
The Home-Sharing Ordinance (LAMC 12.22 A.32, effective Nov 2019) requires registration with LA City Planning before listing any short-term rental. Only primary residences where the host lives 6+ months per year qualify. Registration costs $89 annually and must be renewed each year. STRs are not permitted in RSO units.
View full Los Angeles rules →San Francisco, CA
San Francisco County
San Francisco Administrative Code Chapter 41A requires all STR hosts to register with the Office of Short-Term Rentals (OSTR) and obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the Treasurer & Tax Collector. Primary residence only; host must occupy the unit at least 275 days per year. ADUs, BMR units, SROs, and dormitories are ineligible. Registration fee is $250 and certificates are valid for two years.
View full San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | $89/year through City Planning | OSTR + Business Registration |
| Eligibility | Primary residence only (6+ months/year) | - |
| RSO Units | STR prohibited | - |
| Listing Limit | One listing citywide at a time | - |
| Code Section | LAMC 12.22 A.32 | - |
| Primary Residence | - | Min. 275 nights/year |
| Fee | - | $250; valid 2 years |
| Insurance | - | $500K liability required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in los Angeles?
LA Home-Sharing Ordinance (LAMC §12.22.A.33) requires annual registration. Primary residence only. Regular registration $199/yr. Extended Home-Sharing $1,066/yr. 120-day annual cap.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in los Angeles?
Code: LAMC §12.22.A.33. Primary Residence Only: Must occupy 6+ months/year. Regular Fee: $199/year. Extended Fee: $1,066/year (>120 days).
San Francisco FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in San Francisco?
San Francisco Administrative Code Chapter 41A requires all STR hosts to register with the Office of Short-Term Rentals (OSTR) and obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the Treasurer & Tax Collector. Primary residence only; host must occupy the unit at least 275 days per year. ADUs, BMR...
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in San Francisco?
Registration: OSTR + Business Registration. Primary Residence: Min. 275 nights/year. Fee: $250; valid 2 years. Insurance: $500K liability required.
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