Short-term rental permit rules in San Mateo County, CA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
San Mateo County requires an annual STR permit ($300) for unincorporated coastal zone properties. STRs limited to R-1/R-3 single or multi-family parcels. ADUs cannot be STRs. Maximum 180 nights/year. Non-coastal unincorporated areas have no STR program.
San Mateo County adopted its Short-Term Rental Ordinance in June 2017, certified by the California Coastal Commission in December 2017. The permit applies only to unincorporated Coastal Zone parcels zoned R-1 (Single Family) or R-3 (Multi-Family). ADUs are expressly ineligible. Key requirements: annual permit ($300, renewable); maximum 180 nights per calendar year; occupancy limited to 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional (children under 12 not counted); at least 1 on-site parking space required (2 if max occupancy exceeds 8); local contact must be within 20 miles and available at all times during rentals. Proof of TOT registration required. Processing time: 3–4 weeks. First violation fine: up to $1,500.
Up to $1,500 for first violation. Permit may be suspended or revoked.
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See how San Mateo County's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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