San Mateo County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Parking Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Single-family base
- At least 1 on-site space
- Over 8 tenants
- At least 2 on-site spaces
- Multifamily unit
- At least 1 on-site space
- Eligible locations
- Garage, driveway, lot, or other on-site area
- Code section
- Section 6401.3(6)(b)
Summary
Section 6401.3(6)(b) requires each single-family STR to provide at least one on-site parking space (garage, driveway, or other on-site area), or at least two spaces if maximum occupancy exceeds eight tenants. Multifamily STR units need at least one on-site space.
22651. A peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, or a regularly employed and salaried employee who is engaged in directing traffic or enforcing parking laws and regulations of a city, county, or jurisdiction of a state agency in which a vehicle is located may remove a vehicle located within the territorial limits in which the officer or employee may act, under the following circumstances: (a) If a vehicle is left unattended upon a bridge, viaduct, or causeway or in a tube or tunnel where the vehicle constitutes an obstruction to traffic. (b) If a vehicle is parked or left standing upon a highway in a position so as to obs
Full Breakdown
On-site parking is a mandatory performance standard for Coastal Zone short-term rentals, reflecting community concerns about parking availability that the County cited when adopting the ordinance. 3(6)(b), each short-term rental that is all or part of a single-family dwelling unit must provide at least one (1) vehicle parking space in the garage, driveway, or other on-site parking area. If the maximum occupancy of that single-family STR exceeds eight (8) short-term tenants, it must provide at least two (2) on-site spaces. Each short-term rental that is all or part of a unit within a multifamily building must provide at least one (1) on-site space in the garage, parking lot, or other on-site area.
The required parking must actually be available for use by the short-term tenants while the rental is occupied. 3(4)(e) and (6)(g). Because occupancy over eight tenants triggers the two-space rule, larger whole-home rentals must account for the extra space at the application stage.
Violations & Fines
Failing to provide or keep available the required on-site parking is a violation of the permit's performance standards under Section 6401.3(6)(b). Penalties follow Ordinance Code Chapter 1.40, and repeated documented violations can lead to permit suspension or revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many parking spaces does my coastal short-term rental need?
Does street parking count toward the requirement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Mateo County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Mateo County to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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