Short-term rental permit rules in San Mateo, CA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
San Mateo requires annual STR registration ($250/year), a business license, and TOT certification under SMMC Ch. 5.66 (effective Feb 1, 2021). ADUs cannot be registered. Unhosted stays capped at 120 days/year. HdL Companies administers the program.
San Mateo Municipal Code Chapter 5.66 (effective February 1, 2021) requires: (1) a Short-Term Rental Registration ($250/year, due July 1) from HdL Companies (program administrator); (2) a Business License; and (3) a TOT Certification Form. STRs must be in legal dwelling units (single-family, multi-family, condos). ADUs are prohibited from STR registration. Unhosted rentals are capped at 120 days per calendar year; hosted stays have no cap. Occupancy is limited to 2 per bedroom or 10 per property (whichever is less). Properties with 1–3 bedrooms must have at least 1 off-street parking space; 4+ bedrooms require 2 spaces. A local contact person must be available within 60 minutes.
Code enforcement via (650) 522-7150. Operating without a permit subject to fines.
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