San Mateo County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Permit Requirements (2026)

San Mateo County's STR program applies only to the unincorporated Coastal Zone (which includes Midcoast communities such as El Granada, Montara, Moss Beach, and Princeton). Ordinance No. 4777 (adopted June 6, 2017) amended the County Zoning Regulations to add short-term rentals as an allowed use in Single-Family (R-1, Section 6161(m)) and Multiple-Family (R-3, Section 6181(f)) residential districts in the Coastal Zone, subject to a Short-Term Rental Permit issued under Chapter 22, Section 6401.3. Each property address needs its own permit; if multiple rooms are rented separately, one permit covers all rental activity at that address. Only an owner (fee-title holder or a lessee of at least 30 days) may apply; a lessee must provide written authorization from the lessor. A 'short-term rental' is a dwelling unit, or portion of one, rented for overnight lodging for less than 30 consecutive days. The definition expressly excludes non-habitable accessory structures, second units (ADUs under Zoning Regulations Chapter 22.5), and deed-restricted affordable housing. Permits are decided by the Community Development Director, expire three years after issuance, and may be renewed up to six months before expiry using the initial application process. Per the County permit page, online applications are accepted through Accela and processing takes roughly 3-4 weeks.