Registration Rules: San Mateo vs South San Francisco
How do registration rules rules compare between San Mateo, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
South San Francisco has fewer restrictions than San Mateo.
San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
The City of San Mateo requires every short-term rental host to obtain a Short-Term Rental Registration under San Mateo Municipal Code Chapter 5.66 before advertising or accepting guests. Hosts must also hold a city Business License, file a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certification, and follow operating standards. The annual registration fee is $250, due July 1, and registration is personal to the host and expires automatically upon sale or transfer of the property.
View full San Mateo rules →South San Francisco, CA
San Mateo County
Registration is handled through a Short-Term Rental Permit application to the Planning and Building Department plus a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate from the Tax Collector. Owners must designate a local contact, post performance standards, and meet fire-safety standards before a permit issues.
View full South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Mateo | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Code Chapter | SMMC Chapter 5.66 | - |
| Adopted | Ordinance 2021-6, effective March 18, 2021 | - |
| Annual Registration Fee | $250, due July 1 | - |
| Business License | Required separately | - |
| TOT Rate | 12% of rent on stays under 30 days | - |
| ADUs as STRs | Prohibited | - |
| Transferability | None - expires on sale or transfer | - |
| Records Retention | Three years (SMMC 5.66.130) | - |
| Re-Registration Bar | 24 months after denial or revocation | - |
| Permitting body | - | Planning and Building Department / Community Development Director |
| TOT certificate | - | Required at application (Chapter 5.136) |
| Public notice | - | 10 calendar days; no hearing required |
| Recordkeeping | - | Keep rental records 3 years |
| Appeal | - | Director's decision is final |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Mateo FAQ
What permits do I need to run a short-term rental in the City of San Mateo?
Three things: a Short-Term Rental Registration under SMMC Chapter 5.66, a City of San Mateo Business License, and a Transient Occupancy Tax certification. All three must be active before you advertise or host paying guests.
How much does the City of San Mateo's STR registration cost?
$250 per year. Registrations renew annually on July 1, and the registration is personal to the host and automatically expires when the property is sold or transferred.
Can I run a short-term rental from an ADU in San Mateo?
No. Section 5.66.040 expressly excludes Accessory Dwelling Units defined in SMMC Chapter 27.19 from short-term rental use. Only the primary dwelling unit may be registered.
South San Francisco FAQ
Is there a public hearing before my STR permit is approved?
No. A public hearing is not required. The County gives at least 10 calendar days' notice to the Coastal Commission and neighbors within 100 feet, then the Community Development Director makes a final decision.
How long must I keep short-term rental records?
Section 6401.3 requires owners to keep accurate records of nights rented and amounts paid for at least three years, and to provide them to the Department, Tax Collector, or Auditor within 10 calendar days of notice.
Compare other topics
See how San Mateo and South San Francisco compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool