Carlsbad, CA Short-Term Rentals: Repeat Violator Strikes (2026)
Key Facts
- Strike threshold
- 3+ citations or violations within 24 months
- Revocation notice
- 30 days' prior written notice required
- Appeal window
- Must be requested within 10 days
- Reapplication ban
- 36 months, tied to the property
- Owner-wide effect
- Blocks new permits citywide for 36 months too
Summary
Three or more administrative citations, verified code violations, or hearing officer determinations against a Carlsbad short-term vacation rental within 24 months forces revocation of the permit under Municipal Code Section 5.60.080(B), and the property then can't reapply for a new short-term rental permit for at least 36 months.
In addition to any penalties imposed pursuant to Chapters 1.08 and 1.10 of this code, the City Manager, or designee, may impose additional conditions on the use of any short-term vacation rental permit pursuant to Section 5.60.070(L) above; or suspend or revoke any short-term vacation rental permit commensurate with the severity of the violation(s). The issuance of three or more administrative citations, verifiable municipal code violations or hearing officer determinations concerning permit requirements within a 24-month period shall result in revocation of a short-term vacation rental permit. Revocation is subject to a 30-day prior written notice and to appeal, if requested within 10 days. The appeal procedures will otherwise follow those outlined in Chapter 1.10 of this code. In the event of permit revocation, an application to reestablish a short-term vacation rental at the subject property shall not be accepted for a minimum period of 36 months.
Full Breakdown
080(B) sets Carlsbad's three-strikes rule: the issuance of three or more administrative citations, verifiable municipal code violations, or hearing officer determinations concerning permit requirements within a 24-month period results in mandatory revocation of the short-term vacation rental permit, on top of the City Manager's separate discretion to suspend or revoke a permit 'commensurate with the severity of the violation(s)' for a single serious incident. 10. 080(B) bars any application to reestablish a short-term vacation rental at that same property for a minimum of 36 months, a restriction on the property itself rather than just the owner.
060(D), which separately lets the city deny a brand-new application if the same owner had any other Carlsbad short-term rental permit revoked within the prior 36 months, so an owner with a revoked unit cannot simply open a new listing elsewhere in the city during that window. 040, separate from any citation counted toward the 24-month total.
Violations & Fines
Reaching three qualifying citations, violations or hearing officer determinations within 24 months triggers automatic revocation after a 30-day notice, appealable only within 10 days under Chapter 1.10's procedures. Underlying conduct remains separately punishable: any Chapter 5.60 violation is a misdemeanor under Section 5.60.080(A), and each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense under Section 1.08.010(C).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many violations does it take to lose a Carlsbad short-term rental permit?
Can I appeal a Carlsbad short-term rental permit revocation?
After revocation, how soon can the same house get a new short-term rental permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Carlsbad
California rules heatmap·Compare Carlsbad to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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