Permit Requirements: Los Angeles vs San Diego
How do permit requirements rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA?
Los Angeles and San Diego 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 Diego, CA
San Diego County
San Diego requires a Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) license under SDMC Sections 30.18-30.20 for any rental under 30 days. Three license tiers exist with caps: whole-home rentals limited to 1% of the city's housing units (30% in Mission Beach). Active TOT certificate and Rental Unit Business Tax required.
View full San Diego rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | $89/year through City Planning | - |
| 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 | SDMC 30.18-30.20 |
| License Required | - | STRO License (3 tiers) |
| Whole-Home Cap | - | 1% of housing units |
| Mission Beach Cap | - | 30% of housing |
| Effective Date | - | May 2022 |
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 Diego FAQ
Do I need a permit to Airbnb in San Diego?
Yes, all short-term rentals (under 30 days) require a STRO license from the City Treasurer's Office. You also need an active TOT certificate and Rental Unit Business Tax account.
What is the difference between Tier 1, 2, and 3?
Tier 1: home-share while present. Tier 2: primary residence rented while away (20-day limit without Tier 3). Tier 3: year-round whole-home rental, subject to citywide cap and lottery.
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