Permit Requirements: San Diego vs San Marcos
How do permit requirements rules compare between San Diego, CA and San Marcos, CA?
San Diego and San Marcos have similar restriction levels.
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 →San Marcos, CA
San Diego County
San Marcos requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a business license. STRs are generally prohibited in most residential zones unless explicitly permitted by an applicable Specific Plan. A density limit of one STR per block or one per 660-foot radius applies. Property owners within 400 feet must be notified of new STR applications.
View full San Marcos rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Diego | San Marcos |
|---|---|---|
| License Required | STRO License (3 tiers) | Yes – business license |
| Whole-Home Cap | 1% of housing units | - |
| Mission Beach Cap | 30% of housing | - |
| Effective Date | May 2022 | - |
| Code Section | SDMC 30.18-30.20 | - |
| Residential Zones | - | Generally prohibited |
| Density Limit | - | 1 per block or 660 ft |
| Neighbor Notice | - | 400-foot radius |
| Contact | - | (760) 744-1050 x3204 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
San Marcos FAQ
Do I need a permit for an Airbnb in San Marcos CA?
Yes. All STR operators must obtain a business license from the city. Additionally, STRs are generally prohibited in most residential zones unless permitted by an applicable Specific Plan. Contact Development Services at (760) 744-1050 x3204 for eligibility.
How many short-term rentals are allowed per block in San Marcos?
San Marcos limits STRs to one per block or one per 660-foot radius, whichever is less restrictive. When a new STR application is filed, all property owners within 400 feet are notified.
Do I need to live at my San Marcos short-term rental property?
No. The city recently removed the owner-occupancy requirement for STR permit holders. However, you must still obtain a business license and comply with all zoning and operating requirements.
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