Registration Rules: San Diego vs San Marcos
How do registration rules rules compare between San Diego, CA and San Marcos, CA?
San Marcos has fewer restrictions than San Diego.
San Diego, CA
San Diego County
San Diego requires STRO licenses under a strict four-tier system effective May 2023. Whole-home STRs capped at 1% of housing stock (~5,400 citywide). Mission Beach allows 30% (~1,100). Fees range from $100 to $1,000 annually.
View full San Diego rules →San Marcos, CA
San Diego County
Short-term rental operators in unincorporated San Diego County must register with the Treasurer-Tax Collector and obtain a transient occupancy registration certificate. Registration opened June 11, 2024 via the Host Compliance portal; operators register within 30 days of commencing business and re-register annually each July.
View full San Marcos rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Diego | San Marcos |
|---|---|---|
| System | 4-tier STRO license | - |
| Whole-Home Cap | 1% of housing (~5,400) | - |
| Mission Beach | 30% cap (~1,100) | - |
| Fees | $100–$1,000/year | - |
| Where to register | - | Treasurer-Tax Collector Host Compliance portal |
| Registration window | - | Within 30 days of starting |
| Annual renewal | - | Each July (Sec. 22.206) |
| Review time | - | Up to 30 days |
| STR defined | - | Stay of 30 days or less |
| Certificate transfer | - | Non-transferable; void on sale |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Diego FAQ
How many STR licenses can I have?
One license per host. You may not operate more than one dwelling unit for STRO at a time. Licenses are non-transferable.
Can I rent my ADU as a short-term rental?
Only if the ADU received its certificate of occupancy before January 1, 2020. Newer ADUs cannot be used for STRs.
San Marcos FAQ
When can I start renting after I register?
The County asks operators to allow up to 30 days for the office to review the registration. Once approved you receive a TOT certificate, which authorizes you to collect TOT but is not itself a permit to operate.
Do I re-register every year?
Yes. Under Sec. 22.206, operators register within 30 days of commencing business and re-register annually each July with the Treasurer-Tax Collector.
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