Short-term rental permit rules in San Luis Obispo County, CA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
SLO County Code Section 22.30.510 (Inland) and Section 23.08.165 (Coastal) require every residential vacation rental in the unincorporated county to obtain a Zoning Clearance, Business License, and Transient Occupancy Tax registration. No new vacation rental may be located within 1,500 feet of an existing permitted rental.
Residential vacation rentals (rentals less than 30 days) in unincorporated San Luis Obispo County are regulated under Title 22 Section 22.30.510 in the Inland area and Title 23 Section 23.08.165 in the Coastal Zone. Each rental requires a Zoning Clearance from Planning & Building, a Business License from the Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector, and registration for Transient Occupancy Tax. New vacation rentals must be at least 1,500 feet from any existing permitted vacation rental (measured property line to property line), though this can be modified through a Minor Use Permit if a Conditional Use Permit is not otherwise required. Rentals must not exceed one tenancy per seven calendar days, must use only standard 110/220V household electricity, and noise must not be audible from 50 feet beyond the property line. The Board of Supervisors approved an annual review fee starting January 2026 covering management of the program (over 2,200 active licenses). Violations can be reported online or via after-hours hotline at (805) 723-2500 (Fridays 5-9 PM, weekends/holidays 8 AM-9 PM).
Operating without a Zoning Clearance and Business License is a code violation under Title 22/23, subject to administrative citations, daily fines, and revocation of any future eligibility. Noise and occupancy violations can lead to permit suspension or revocation.
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See how San Luis Obispo County's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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