San Diego requires STRO licenses under a strict four-tier system effective May 2023. Whole-home STRs capped at 1% of housing stock (~5,400 citywide). Mission Beach allows 30% (~1,100). Fees range from $100 to $1,000 annually.
The Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) Ordinance took effect May 1, 2023, establishing one of the most comprehensive STR regulatory systems in California. Four tiers: Tier 1 (Part-Time, ≤20 days/year, $100), Tier 2 (Home-Sharing with owner present, $200), Tier 3 (Whole-Home excluding Mission Beach, $1,000), Tier 4 (Mission Beach Whole-Home, $1,000). Whole-home STRs capped at 1% of housing stock citywide (~5,400 units). Mission Beach cap is 30% (~1,100 units). A host may hold only one license and operate only one dwelling unit. Licenses are non-transferable between owners or locations. Active TOT Certificate required before applying. As of 2025, Tier 4 waitlist has 55 applicants with 0 remaining licenses. ADUs built after January 1, 2020 cannot be used for STRs. Fees increased effective March 1, 2025.
Operating without license: substantial fines and potential loss of future license eligibility. Tier violations subject to license revocation.
San Diego, CA
San Diego allows backyard recreational fires under San Diego Fire Code Section 511.0307 (adopting 2022 California Fire Code Section 307) when the fire is no ...
San Diego, CA
San Diego enforces 2022 California Residential Code Section R314 and California Health and Safety Code Sections 13113.7 and 13114 through the San Diego Build...
San Diego, CA
San Diego has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private property. California Civil Code § 4710 limi...
San Diego, CA
San Diego has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatables are permitted on private property subject to SDM...
San Diego, CA
San Diego has no city ordinance specifying installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness limits for residential holiday lights. Amplified outdoor audi...
San Diego, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Diego require multiple permits through the Development Services Department: a building permit for the structure, a gas-line ...
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