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San Rafael, CA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions

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Key Facts

Neighbor Notice: Required before license
Trigger: Initial and renewal
Primary-Residence Threshold: 6 months/year
Stinson Beach Cap: 192
Dillon Beach Cap: 204

Marin County rule: San Rafael does not have its own ordinance for occupancy limits. The rule below comes from Marin County and applies to San Rafael.

Summary

Marin County requires short-term rental owners to notify occupants of neighboring properties before obtaining or renewing a business license. The 2024 ordinance also limits new non-primary STRs through waitlists when townships exceed their license cap.

Full Breakdown

Under Marin County's updated short-term rental ordinance, notification of a short-term rental property in unincorporated Marin must be provided to people occupying neighboring properties before the short-term rental owner can obtain or renew a Business License. The Community Development Agency maintains waitlists for STR licenses in townships where the number of applicants exceeds the available licenses, with stricter limits for Stinson Beach (192) and Dillon Beach (204). The $600 application fee applies to new STRs and to existing STRs where the dwelling is not lived in as the primary dwelling for at least six months each year.

Violations & Fines

Failure to provide neighbor notification before license issuance or renewal is grounds for denial under the 2024 STR ordinance. Operating without notification or proper licensing triggers CDA Code Compliance enforcement, with administrative fines and possible removal from the STR program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to tell my neighbors before short-term renting in Marin?

Yes. The 2024 Marin County STR ordinance requires owners to notify occupants of neighboring properties before obtaining or renewing a business license for an STR.

What counts as a primary residence for Marin STR purposes?

A dwelling lived in as the owner's primary residence for at least six months each year. Non-primary STRs pay the full $600 application fee and are subject to township caps.

Is there a waitlist for STR licenses in Marin County?

Yes. The Community Development Agency maintains waitlists in townships where applications exceed the available license cap, including Stinson Beach (192) and Dillon Beach (204).

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San Rafael, CA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

Related San Rafael Ordinances

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Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours

Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours

Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock

Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws

Occupancy Limits in Other Cities

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