Short-term rental permit rules in San Rafael, CA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Chapter 10.110 of the SRMC, added by Ordinance 1976, requires every short-term rental in San Rafael to be registered annually with the City. The initial registration fee is $170 and the annual renewal is $135. Registration is processed by Rentalscape, the City's third-party operator (effective December 1, 2022).
STRs must satisfy four eligibility criteria: (1) the unit is offered for transient occupancy by the permanent resident; (2) it is that resident's primary residence; (3) the host is a natural person (no LLCs or corporations); and (4) the unit is registered and in good standing with the City. To prove primary residence, the host must provide three of: motor vehicle registration, driver's license, voter registration, homeowner's tax-exemption documents, or a utility bill. Affordable housing units, student housing, units in commercial zones, RVs, boats, and yurts are categorically ineligible.
Operating an unregistered STR is a violation of Chapter 10.110 subject to administrative citation. Three upheld violations within 24 months results in loss of registration under the three-strikes enforcement policy.
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