Vista Municipal Code Chapter 8.34, effective July 1, 2024, requires every short-term rental operator to obtain three things: a city Business License, a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration Certificate, and a Short-Term Rental Permit. Business License staff issue all three on a single combined certificate.
Adopted unanimously by the Vista City Council on May 28, 2024 and effective July 1, 2024, VMC Chapter 8.34 created a new permit-based program for short-term rentals (any rental of 30 consecutive days or fewer). The application must be submitted by the property owner or an authorized agent, and the owner, agent, and the 24/7 local contact person must all certify that they have reviewed Chapter 8.34. Once fees are paid, Business License staff issue a single certificate combining the Business License, TOT Certificate, and STR Permit. Each STR must post an exterior contact phone number at the front of the home so neighbors can reach the 24/7 contact. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are excluded from the STR program (state law requires ADU rentals to be 30+ days). Apply through Vista Business License services; for ordinance questions, contact the Planning Division at 760.639.6100. Code Enforcement: 760.639.6141 / codeenforcement@cityofvista.com.
Operating without the combined Business License/TOT/STR certificate, or failing to post the exterior 24/7 contact phone number, violates VMC Chapter 8.34. Administrative citations escalate at $500 (first), $1,000 (second), and $1,500 (third) per violation.
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