San Clemente, CA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

To apply, the owner or owner's agent files with the Community Development Director on City forms that must include the owner's and operator's contact information, the STLU's address, square footage, bedroom count, and maximum number of overnight renters, a diagram of designated on-site parking and the maximum vehicles allowed for guests, a site plan, an interior sketch showing where the license will be posted, proof of prior transient occupancy tax compliance if the unit has operated before, written HOA approval if the property is under an association, and a standard rental agreement authorizing immediate eviction for violations of the STLU rules or Chapters 8.48 and 9.16, per § 3.24.190.

The Community Development Director issues the STLU operating license only if the owner has fully complied with Chapter 3.24, the property was not the subject of a license or permit revoked under § 3.24.067 within the previous 24 months, the owner has not previously held a license or permit revoked under that section, and the STLU is permitted under Title 17 or qualifies as a legally established nonconforming use, per § 3.24.200. A license is valid for 12 months and must be renewed every year, with insurance and notice conditions under § 17.28.292(C) satisfied at each renewal, and the application fee is set by City Council resolution under § 3.24.210. New applications are processed first-come-first-served, but a renewal filed before the existing license expires is treated as a renewal instead.