Short-term rental permit rules in Carlsbad, CA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Carlsbad requires an STVR permit under CMC Chapter 5.60 (adopted 2015). STVRs are only legal in the Coastal Zone. A business license and STVR permit are both required. The 24-hour local contact must respond within 45 minutes.
Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 5.60 governs short-term vacation rentals, defined as rentals under 30 consecutive days. STVRs are only permitted in the Coastal Zone of Carlsbad — properties outside the Coastal Zone (such as parts of La Costa) are prohibited from STR use. Hosts must obtain both a City business license and an STVR permit from the Community Development Department. Application requires Form P-98 and an Impact Response Plan (Form P-98A). A designated local contact person must be available 24/7 and respond within 45 minutes of a neighbor or guest call. The STVR permit must be posted on the exterior of the rental unit. Permits are annual and require full re-application for renewals.
Operating without permit: fines and enforcement action. Three or more violations in 24 months: permit revocation with a 36-month ban on re-application.
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