San Mateo, CA Short-Term Rentals: Registration Rules (2026)

Chapter 5.66 of the San Mateo Municipal Code, adopted by Ordinance No. 2021-6 on February 1, 2021 and effective March 18, 2021, regulates all rentals of dwelling units for periods of fewer than 30 consecutive days within the City of San Mateo. Section 5.66.050 requires hosts to register with the city before listing the property, providing the host's name and contact information, the dwelling unit address, the local contact person's information, and an acknowledgment of compliance with the city's Zoning Ordinance and Municipal Code. Approval is conditioned on no unresolved health-and-safety code-enforcement cases at the property in the prior 12 months and no prior denial or revocation. Hosts must complete four steps: submit the STR application through the city's online portal, apply for a city Business License, comply with all operating standards in Section 5.66.040, and pay TOT on an ongoing basis. The TOT rate for City of San Mateo lodging is 12% of rent. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) defined in SMMC Chapter 27.19 may not be registered as short-term rentals. Registrations are not transferable and expire on sale or change of ownership; renewals are annual under Section 5.66.070. The city follows California's framework where there is no statewide STR preemption, so local rules govern. Hosts must also keep records of compliance for three years under Section 5.66.130.