Daly City, CA Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)

Daly City Municipal Code Section 5.92.040 (Eligibility, added by Ordinance No. 1440) permits short-term rentals in single-family residences, condominiums, duplexes, townhomes, and properties with multiple rental units - but for owner-occupied multi-unit properties, the owner may only host in the dwelling unit that is their primary residence. Short-term rentals are not permitted in inclusionary housing or other income-restricted housing units, or on properties containing an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit. Vacation rentals - defined in Section 5.92.030 as dwelling units that are not a primary residence but are offered for temporary lodging for compensation - are prohibited and may not be operated anywhere in the City. The ordinance defines a primary residence as the host's permanent residence or usual place of return for housing, documented by evidence of occupancy as determined by the Finance and Planning Departments; a person may only have one primary residence and must reside there a minimum of 265 days per year. Applicants must submit a notarized affidavit of primary residency plus two corroborating documents (state-issued ID and a utility bill, property tax bill, credit card bill, voter registration, or bank statement).