Short-term rental permit rules in San Jose, CA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
San Jose regulates STRs under SJMC §20.80 Part 2.5. Hosts must obtain a business tax certificate. Owner-occupied rentals have unlimited days; non-owner-occupied are capped at 180 days per year.
SJMC §20.80 Part 2.5 governs transient occupancy as incidental use of a residence. STRs are allowed in single-family, two-family, multi-family dwellings, and mobile homes but not in ADUs. Owner-occupied hosts may rent unlimited days. Non-owner-occupied (whole-home) rentals are capped at 180 days per calendar year. Maximum 10 transient occupants. Hosts must designate a local contact person who can respond within one hour. Records must be retained for at least 3 years.
Non-compliance may result in code enforcement action and business tax penalties.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
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