Short-term rental permit rules in Redwood City, CA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Redwood City requires STR operators to obtain a permit and business license. STRs must be the host's primary residence. Unhosted stays are capped at 120 days/year. ADUs cannot be used as STRs unless registered before January 1, 2020.
Redwood City's STR ordinance (adopted 2018) requires a Short-Term Rental Permit from the Planning Division and a Business License from the Finance Department. All STRs must be the host's primary residence. Unhosted rentals are capped at 120 days per calendar year; hosted stays are unlimited. No guest may stay more than 29 consecutive days. ADUs registered before January 1, 2020 may operate as STRs; all others are prohibited. Special events (weddings, corporate events) are expressly banned. A local contact person must be designated and available 24/7.
First violation: $250 fine. Second: $500. Third and beyond: $1,000. Repeat violators may have permits revoked and be barred from operating STRs for 1–2 years.
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