Short-term rental permit rules in San Clemente, CA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
San Clemente requires two approvals before any short-term rental (29 or fewer consecutive days): a one-time STLU Zoning Permit and an annually renewed STLU Operating License. Operating without both is prohibited.
Renting a dwelling for 29 or fewer consecutive calendar days is a short-term lodging unit (STLU) governed by San Clemente Municipal Code (SCMC) Section 17.28.292 and Chapter 3.24. Two City approvals are required. First, a one-time STLU Zoning Permit is processed by the Planning Division and reviewed for compliance with SCMC 17.16.145 and 17.28.292; the City Planner is the final authority and may refer applications to the Zoning Administrator. After the zoning permit issues, the owner applies to the Business Licensing Division for an STLU Operating License, which registers the property to remit transient occupancy tax. Operating is prohibited until both are obtained. The zoning permit expires on change of ownership, one year of unused STLU status, non-renewal, or revocation.
Operating without both a valid STLU Zoning Permit and Operating License is prohibited. Code Enforcement (949-366-4705) takes complaints. Permit conditions require compliance with all fire, building, and safety codes. Violations can lead to revocation, ending STLU use.
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