San Rafael, CA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)
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.
Key Facts
- Code
- Chapter 10.110
- Initial Fee
- $170
- Renewal Fee
- $135
- Registration Vendor
- Rentalscape (Deckard)
- Host Required
- Natural person, primary residence
Summary
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).
All or a portion of the residential unit is offered for tourist or transient use by the permanent resident of the residential unit; the residential unit is the primary residence of the permanent resident; the permanent resident is a natural person; and the permanent resident has registered the residential unit and maintains good standing with the City of San Rafael.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my LLC register an STR?
Are non-hosted STRs allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
How San Rafael compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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