Chula Vista, CA Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum residency
- 275 days per calendar year
- Proof required
- 2 of 5 listed documents
- Persons may hold
- Only one Primary Residence at a time
- Duplex treatment
- Applies unit-by-unit
- Location requirement
- Applicant's Primary Residence must be in Chula Vista
Summary
Chula Vista defines a host's Primary Residence as the home where they actually live at least 275 days a year, proven with two of five listed documents. That status decides which STR rules apply, including the 90-day whole-home cap and minimum-stay exemptions under CVMC Chapter 5.68.
“Primary Residence” means a Person’s permanent residence or usual place of return for housing as documented by at least two of the following: motor vehicle registration; driver’s license; voter registration; tax documents showing the residential unit as the Person’s residence; or a utility bill. A Person may have only one Primary Residence and must reside there for a minimum of 275 days during the calendar year. For properties with two or more existing legally permitted Dwelling Units (e.g., a duplex), the term “Primary Residence” shall apply individually to each unit that meets the criteria previously described.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 3623, passed May 19, 2026).
Full Breakdown
030, "Primary Residence" means a Person's permanent residence or usual place of return for housing, documented by at least two of: motor vehicle registration, driver's license, voter registration, tax documents, or a utility bill showing the unit as the person's residence. A person may claim only one Primary Residence citywide and must reside there at least 275 days per calendar year. In a duplex or similar multi-unit property, the Primary Residence designation applies separately to each qualifying unit. 110(B) ties the 90-day annual cap on Whole-Home rentals specifically to Primary Residences.
Nonprimary Residence whole-home rentals face no day limit but are capped at one per Applicant and carry a two-night minimum stay. 030 and jeopardizes the STR permit tied to it. 070(J)(4).
Violations & Fines
Misrepresenting Primary Residence status is a false or misleading statement under CVMC 5.68.070(J)(4), grounds for permit denial or, once issued, for modification, suspension, or revocation under CVMC 5.68.160(F). General chapter violations are misdemeanors punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail under CVMC 5.68.160(B), or may instead be prosecuted as an infraction or administrative citation, with fines escalating from $100 (first minor offense) to $5,000 (fifth-plus major offense) under CVMC 5.68.160(J).
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Chula Vista prove a home is my Primary Residence?
Can I claim two Primary Residences for two different STR units?
Does my duplex count as one Primary Residence?
What happens if I falsely claim Primary Residence status?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chula Vista
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