Permit Requirements: Redwood City vs San Mateo
How do permit requirements rules compare between Redwood City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Redwood City and San Mateo have similar restriction levels.
Redwood City, CA
San Mateo County
Redwood City requires STR operators to obtain a permit and business license. STRs must be the host's primary residence. Unhosted stays are capped at 120 days/year. ADUs cannot be used as STRs unless registered before January 1, 2020.
View full Redwood City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
San Mateo requires annual STR registration ($250/year), a business license, and TOT certification under SMMC Ch. 5.66 (effective Feb 1, 2021). ADUs cannot be registered. Unhosted stays capped at 120 days/year. HdL Companies administers the program.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Redwood City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | Yes — Planning Division + Business License | - |
| Primary Residence | Required | - |
| Unhosted Cap | 120 days/year | 120 days/year |
| ADUs | Banned (except pre-2020 registrations) | Cannot be registered as STRs |
| Special Events | Expressly prohibited | - |
| Registration Fee | - | $250/year (due July 1) |
| Parking Requirement | - | 1 space (1–3 BR), 2 spaces (4+ BR) |
| Local Contact | - | Must respond within 60 minutes |
| Code | - | SMMC Ch. 5.66 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Redwood City FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Redwood City?
Redwood City requires STR operators to obtain a permit and business license. STRs must be the host's primary residence. Unhosted stays are capped at 120 days/year. ADUs cannot be used as STRs unless registered before January 1, 2020.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Redwood City?
Permit Required: Yes — Planning Division + Business License. Primary Residence: Required. Unhosted Cap: 120 days/year. ADUs: Banned (except pre-2020 registrations).
San Mateo FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in San Mateo?
San Mateo requires annual STR registration ($250/year), a business license, and TOT certification under SMMC Ch. 5.66 (effective Feb 1, 2021). ADUs cannot be registered. Unhosted stays capped at 120 days/year. HdL Companies administers the program.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in San Mateo?
Registration Fee: $250/year (due July 1). ADUs: Cannot be registered as STRs. Unhosted Cap: 120 days/year. Parking Requirement: 1 space (1–3 BR), 2 spaces (4+ BR).
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