San Mateo, CA Short-Term Rentals: Host Presence Rule (2026)

San Mateo County does not require an STR host to be physically present during a stay, but it does require a responsive human nearby. Under Zoning Regulations Section 6401.3(6)(c), the owner must designate a local contact person who remains within a twenty (20) mile radius of the short-term rental and is available at all times to respond to questions or concerns while the unit is occupied. In an emergency, the local contact must be able to physically report to the rental within a reasonable time not to exceed one (1) hour; otherwise the contact must be available during normal business hours. The owner may serve as the local contact if they meet these requirements. The owner must submit the contact's name, address, and phone number(s) - including a number reachable at all times - to the Department, which distributes it to the Sheriff's Office, the local Sheriff's substation, the local fire agency, and neighbors within 100 feet. The same information must be permanently posted in a prominent location inside the unit, and any change must be reported in writing within 10 calendar days. The local contact must use best efforts to ensure tenants do not cause unreasonable noise, disturbance, disorderly conduct, or overcrowding. Separately, the 180-night cap under Section 6401.3(2)(c) excludes any night the owner is present, which encourages but does not mandate host presence.