Permit Requirements: San Mateo vs South San Francisco
How do permit requirements rules compare between San Mateo, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
San Mateo and South San Francisco have similar restriction levels.
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 →South San Francisco, CA
San Mateo County
South San Francisco requires a Short-Term Rental Permit under SSFMC §20.350.036. STRs allowed only in single-family homes by permanent residents. ADUs ineligible. Unhosted stays capped at 90 days/year. Business license required.
View full South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Mateo | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $250/year (due July 1) | - |
| ADUs | Cannot be registered as STRs | Not eligible for STR |
| Unhosted Cap | 120 days/year | 90 days/year |
| Parking Requirement | 1 space (1–3 BR), 2 spaces (4+ BR) | - |
| Local Contact | Must respond within 60 minutes | - |
| Code | SMMC Ch. 5.66 | SSFMC §20.350.036 |
| Permit Required | - | Yes — Planning Division |
| Eligible Properties | - | Single-family homes only |
| Parking Required | - | 1 off-street space |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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).
South San Francisco FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in South San Francisco?
South San Francisco requires a Short-Term Rental Permit under SSFMC §20.350.036. STRs allowed only in single-family homes by permanent residents. ADUs ineligible. Unhosted stays capped at 90 days/year. Business license required.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in South San Francisco?
Permit Required: Yes — Planning Division. Eligible Properties: Single-family homes only. ADUs: Not eligible for STR. Unhosted Cap: 90 days/year.
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