Is Airbnb legal in San Diego?

In 2024, San Diego continues to regulate short-term rentals (STRs) with a comprehensive framework aimed at balancing tourism with the quality of life for residents. Here are the key aspects of these regulations:

1. Licensing Requirements: Anyone wishing to rent a property for less than one month must obtain a Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) license. Hosts are allowed only one such license per individual, aiming to limit the number of properties any single person can legally operate as short-term rentals.

2. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): Hosts must collect this tax from guests staying under 30 days. Airbnb automatically collects this tax for properties in the city, but obtaining a tax number remains a requirement for hosts.

3. Rental Caps: Whole-home rentals that exceed 20 days a year are capped at 1% of the city's total housing units. Special cap rules apply in areas like Mission Beach, where higher limits reflect the area’s tradition as a vacation spot.

4. Operational Restrictions: Certain non-traditional properties, like RVs or boats, are excluded from short-term rental listings. Hosts must comply with local health and safety codes, including installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and ensuring proper sanitation.

5. Zoning and Land Use: Regulations dictate where short-term rentals can operate, emphasizing consistency with local zoning laws to protect residential communities. Special zoning considerations include restrictions in some districts to protect housing availability.

6. Enforcement and Penalties: The city enforces compliance through fines for unlicensed rentals and other violations. Repeat offenses can lead to increased fines and potential revocation of rental permits.

7. Community Impact and Housing Concerns: The regulation aims to mitigate the impact of short-term rentals on the housing market by preserving long-term rental availability and controlling impacts on neighborhood dynamics.

8. Contact for Compliance: For guidance and compliance, hosts can contact the City of San Diego’s Office of the City Treasurer.

San Diego’s STR regulations reflect a nuanced approach that balances economic benefits from tourism with the preservation of local community welfare and housing stability.