San Joaquin County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Formula
- 2 per bedroom + 2
- Day Event Cap
- 1.5x overnight typical
- Authority
- Stockton §5.97, Lodi §9.22
- Septic Cap
- Building design limit
- Listings
- Must state max occupancy
Summary
Short-term rental occupancy in unincorporated San Joaquin County is limited through the Temporary Use Permit and lodging framework at typically 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, capped by the building's kitchen/septic capacity. Stockton Municipal Code §5.97 and Lodi Municipal Code §9.22 apply similar 2-per-bedroom-plus-2 formulas, with additional limits on daytime event attendance at STRs.
substandard building: (a) Inadequate sanitation shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) Lack of, or improper water closet, lavatory, or bathtub or shower in a dwelling unit. (2) Lack of, or improper water closets, lavatories, and bathtubs or showers per number of guests in a hotel. (3) Lack of, or improper kitchen sink. (4) Lack of hot and cold running water to plumbing fixtures in a hotel. (5) Lack of hot and cold running water to plumbing fixtures in a dwelling unit. (6) Lack of adequate heating. (7) Lack of, or improper operation of required ventilating equipment. (8) Lack of minimum amounts of natural light and ventilation required by this code.
Full Breakdown
San Joaquin County has no stand-alone STR chapter but regulates vacation rentals through zoning (Development Title §9-610 lodging uses) and Temporary Use Permits. Typical occupancy conditions follow the California lodging industry standard of 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed the building's septic/water system design capacity or California Fire Code occupant-load limits for R-3 dwellings. 97 requiring a business tax certificate, 10% Transient Occupancy Tax collection, and capping overnight occupancy at 2 persons per bedroom plus 2. 22 applies the same 2+2 framework.
Manteca has not adopted an STR-specific chapter and treats short-term stays under its hotel/motel zoning. 5x overnight occupancy and must not violate noise ordinances. Operators must list maximum occupancy in all platform listings. Repeated violations can lead to permit revocation and removal from approved-rental lists. Sleeping in garages, RVs parked at the property, or tents is prohibited.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding occupancy at an STR: $250 first offense, $500 second, $1,000 third within 12 months in Stockton and Lodi. Unincorporated county: nuisance citation $100 to $500 plus permit revocation hearing. Hosting an event exceeding daytime cap: additional $500 party-ordinance fine in Stockton (§5.97.080). Chronic violators: permit revoked for 12 to 24 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many guests can I host at my Stockton Airbnb?
Can I host a wedding reception at my vacation rental?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Joaquin County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Joaquin County to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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