Occupancy Limits: Redwood City vs San Mateo
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Redwood City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Redwood City has fewer restrictions than San Mateo.
Redwood City, CA
San Mateo County
Redwood City Municipal Code Chapter 42A limits short-term rental occupancy to two guests per bedroom plus two additional guests per stay, capped at ten guests total. STRs are restricted to the host's primary residence; second homes and investment properties are not permitted. Hosted stays (host on-site) have no annual day cap, while un-hosted stays are limited to 120 nights per calendar year. ADUs are prohibited from STR use unless they were registered with the City before January 1, 2020. Hosts must also designate a local contact who will respond to complaints whenever the host is away.
View full Redwood City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
San Mateo limits STR occupancy to two people per bedroom or ten people per property, whichever is less, under Chapter 5.66. Events including weddings, parties, and corporate functions are prohibited at STR properties. Un-hosted rentals are limited to 120 days per year.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Redwood City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Per-Stay Limit | 2 guests per bedroom + 2, max 10 total | - |
| Un-hosted Day Cap | 120 nights per year | - |
| Hosted Day Cap | Unlimited | - |
| Primary Residence Only | Required (no second homes) | - |
| ADU Restriction | Prohibited unless registered before Jan 1, 2020 | - |
| TOT Rate | 12% | - |
| Code Section | RCMC Chapter 42A | - |
| Occupancy | - | 2 per bedroom or 10 total (lower) |
| Events | - | Prohibited — no weddings/parties |
| Un-hosted Cap | - | 120 days per year |
| Contact Person | - | 24/7, respond within 60 min |
| Code Reference | - | SMMC §5.66.040 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Redwood City FAQ
How many guests can stay in a Redwood City short-term rental?
Up to two guests per bedroom plus two additional guests, with an overall ceiling of ten overnight guests under Chapter 42A — regardless of how many bedrooms the home has.
How many nights per year can I rent out my home?
Hosted stays where you remain on-site are not capped. Un-hosted entire-home stays are limited to 120 nights per calendar year.
Can I short-term rent my ADU?
Only if the ADU was registered with the City as a short-term rental before January 1, 2020. New ADUs and unregistered older ADUs are not eligible.
Can I host weddings or corporate events at my STR?
No. Chapter 42A prohibits special events such as weddings and corporate retreats at short-term rentals.
San Mateo FAQ
How many guests can stay at my STR in San Mateo?
Two people per bedroom or ten per property, whichever is less, under SMMC Section 5.66.040.
Can guests have parties at my STR?
No. Weddings, parties, corporate events, and similar gatherings are specifically prohibited at STR properties.
Is there a limit on rental days?
Un-hosted rentals are limited to 120 days per year. Hosted stays (owner on premises) have no day limit.
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