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Occupancy is limited to 2 people per bedroom or 10 people per property, whichever is less.
In unincorporated areas of San Mateo County, particularly within the Coastal Zone, short-term rentals are allowed under specific conditions. Property owners can rent out their homes for short durations (less than 30 days) with a permit and must pay Transient Occupancy Tax. Short-term rentals are permitted only within legal residences zoned for single-family or multi-family residential use within the Coastal Zone.
A transient occupancy tax of 14% is levied by the city. Monthly payments are made to the City by renters who collect the tax from their guests.
Regulations for short-term rentals include specific insurance requirements to ensure that properties are adequately protected.
Building, health, and safety regulations in San Mateo County do affect short-term rentals, particularly in the Coastal Zone.
Properties with three or fewer bedrooms must provide at least one off-street parking space. Properties with four or more bedrooms must provide at least two off-street parking spaces.
Before advertising or making your property available for short-term rental, you must register your primary residence as a Short-Term Rental with the city. This registration includes submitting a form with your contact information, the address of the residence being used for short-term rental, contact information for a local contact person, and an acknowledgment of compliance with the city's Zoning Ordinance and Municipal Codes.
It is not permitted to hold weddings, parties, corporate gatherings, business activities, or any other events of a similar nature at the short-term rental property if they could potentially cause issues with parking, traffic, noise, or other neighborhood concerns.
None required
The limitations on the number of short-term rentals an individual can own in San Mateo County, specifically within the Coastal Zone, are defined by regulations focusing on zoning and usage rather than the explicit number of properties one can operate.
The Short-Term Rental property is not permitted to host weddings, parties, corporate gatherings, commercial functions, or any other events of a similar nature that can potentially cause issues with parking, traffic, noise, or other neighborhood concerns.
The Short-Term Rental property is not permitted to host weddings, parties, corporate gatherings, commercial functions, or any other events of a similar nature that can potentially cause issues with parking, traffic, noise, or other neighborhood concerns.
There is an annual limit of 120 days per calendar year, when hosts are not present. Hosted properties have no annual limit on the number of days they can be rented.
Waste Disposal Regulations are outlined to ensure that these accommodations do not negatively impact the surrounding neighborhoods.
There are no specific accessibility requirements
Waste Disposal Regulations are outlined to ensure that these accommodations do not negatively impact the surrounding neighborhoods.
A Local Contact Person is provided as part of registration application and renewal in order to assist with potential noise, parking, trash, or traffic issues. This person must be available 24 hours, seven days a week during the term of a rental stay. They must respond with 60 minutes and take remedial action to resolve any complaints.
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In San Mateo, a short-term rental is defined as the use or possession of, or the right to use or possess, any room or rooms, or portions thereof in any dwelling unit for residing, sleeping, or lodging purposes for less than 30 consecutive calendar days. This includes counting portions of days as full calendar days. Short-term rentals are permitted in any residence subject to compliance with the operating standards, registration, Transient Occupancy Tax payments, payment of business license taxes, and recordkeeping obligations.
San Mateo County and its cities have specific regulations for property owners interested in short-term rentals. Here's a summary of the key regulations across different parts of the county:
There is indeed a tax related to short-term rentals, known as the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). For properties rented out for short-term stays, operators are required to collect and remit a TOT. As of January 1, 2021, the City of San Mateo imposes a TOT rate of 14% on the rent charged by the operator of any structure designed for transient occupancy, which includes short-term rentals. The collected tax must be remitted to the city or designated receiver by the last day of each month
Not only individuals but also lessees of residential real property can operate short-term rentals, provided they comply with specific regulations set by the city. According to the City of San Mateo's short-term rental regulations, a "host" is defined as any person who is the owner of record of residential real property or any person who is a lessee of residential real property pursuant to a written agreement for the lease of such real property.
None
In San Mateo County, including the City of San Mateo, there is no explicit requirement for neighborhood approval for operating a Short-Term Rental (STR)
For building regulations, San Mateo County adheres to a comprehensive set of codes that include the International Building Code, Uniform Housing Code, National Electrical Code, among others, to ensure uniform administration and enforcement of construction, maintenance, and safety standards. These regulations are designed to provide safe homes, offices, stores, and other buildings through the permitting and inspection process for construction projects within the county's unincorporated areas.
The information provided on the official San Mateo city website did not specify whether Airbnb or other booking platforms collect and remit taxes such as the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on behalf of short-term rental hosts in San Mateo. Hosts are generally responsible for understanding and complying with local tax requirements, including registration, obtaining a business license, completing a transient occupancy tax certification, and adhering to operating standards. For direct details on whether platforms like Airbnb collect and remit taxes in San Mateo, it's best to consult directly with the platform or the city's short-term rental regulation.
In unincorporated areas of San Mateo County, particularly within the Coastal Zone, short-term rentals are allowed under specific conditions. Property owners can rent out their homes for short durations (less than 30 days) with a permit and must pay Transient Occupancy Tax. Short-term rentals are permitted only within legal residences zoned for single-family or multi-family residential use within the Coastal Zone.
There is indeed a tax related to short-term rentals, known as the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). For properties rented out for short-term stays, operators are required to collect and remit a TOT. As of January 1, 2021, the City of San Mateo imposes a TOT rate of 14% on the rent charged by the operator of any structure designed for transient occupancy, which includes short-term rentals. The collected tax must be remitted to the city or designated receiver by the last day of each month
In San Mateo County, including its unincorporated areas, you are required to obtain a license or permit to operate a short-term rental (STR). The specific requirements vary depending on the location of your property within the county.
If you are operating a short-term rental (STR) in San Mateo County, you are obligated to collect and remit the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). The TOT is a tax imposed on guests who stay in your property for short-term lodging, which is typically defined as stays of less than 30 days.
The City of San Mateo, for example, requires a 14% TOT to be collected by the operator from the guests and remitted to the city. This tax applies to any structure that is occupied or designed for occupancy by transients for dwelling, lodging, or sleeping purposes. Operators of short-term rentals are also required to obtain a business license and follow specific operating standards to ensure compliance with local regulations.
If you are operating a short-term rental (STR) in San Mateo County, you are obligated to collect and remit the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). The TOT is a tax imposed on guests who stay in your property for short-term lodging, which is typically defined as stays of less than 30 days.
The City of San Mateo, for example, requires a 14% TOT to be collected by the operator from the guests and remitted to the city. This tax applies to any structure that is occupied or designed for occupancy by transients for dwelling, lodging, or sleeping purposes. Operators of short-term rentals are also required to obtain a business license and follow specific operating standards to ensure compliance with local regulations.
No zip code is prohibited
Short-term rentals are permitted within legal residences on parcels that are zoned for Single Family (R-1) or Multi-Family (R-3) residential use within the Coastal Zone. This is applicable for rentals of less than 30 days, with the requirement of obtaining a permit and paying Transient Occupancy Tax.
The use of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) for short-term rentals is prohibited within these regulations.
Yes, it does
As an owner interested in operating short-term rentals (STR) in San Mateo County, you'll need to navigate a variety of regulations that generally include obtaining permits or registration, paying transient occupancy taxes, and adhering to specific operating standards. These requirements aim to ensure guest safety, minimize disturbances in residential areas, and ensure fair taxation. The specifics can vary significantly by location within the county, with different rules for coastal zones, the City of San Mateo, and the City of Redwood City, for example. Compliance is crucial to avoid penalties such as fines or permit revocation. Always check local regulations directly with city or county governments for the most current information and to ensure your STR operation is fully compliant.
For properties within the City of San Mateo, the regulations require operators to apply for a short-term rental registration, obtain a business license, complete a transient occupancy tax (TOT) certification form, and adhere to operating standards outlined by the city. These standards include limitations on the number of days a property can be rented out annually when the host is not present on-site, restrictions on the use of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) for short-term rentals, and requirements for local contact availability, off-street parking, and occupancy limits. The annual registration fee for a short-term rental in the City of San Mateo is $250.
In the unincorporated Coastal Zone of San Mateo County, property owners may legally rent part or all of their home as a short-term rental (less than 30 days) with a permit and payment of Transient Occupancy Tax. This allowance is specifically for legal residences on parcels zoned for Single Family or Multi-Family residential use within the Coastal Zone. The process for obtaining a permit involves a 3-4 week timeframe and an application fee of $300.
Occupancy is limited to 2 people per bedroom or 10 people per property, whichever is less.
Additionally, properties cannot be rented for more than 120 days a year when the hosts are not present on-site. STRs must occur within legal dwelling units, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) cannot be used for STRs. Properties with three or fewer bedrooms must provide at least one off-street parking space, while those with four or more bedrooms must provide at least two off-street parking spaces
While the exact penalties for non-compliance with STR regulations in San Mateo County were not explicitly listed in the sources reviewed, penalties for similar violations, such as failing to submit required reports or implementing necessary measures, can include significant fines. For example, within the City of San Mateo, failure to comply with certain municipal codes can result in a civil penalty of $1,000.00, plus an additional penalty of $50.00 for each day of non-compliance. This gives an indication of how the county might approach non-compliance in general, emphasizing the importance of adhering to local regulations.
Yes
For properties within the City of San Mateo, the city has hired a consultant, HdL Companies, to administer the short-term rental program. To inquire about short-term rental registration, obtaining a business license, completing a transient occupancy tax certification form, or any related matters, you can contact HdL Companies directly:
You can also report complaints or issues regarding short-term rentals to the Code Enforcement Hotline at (650) 522-7150. For noise disturbances, the non-emergency number for the Police Department is (650) 522-7700.
There are no specific jurisdictions that are exempted from short-term rental (STR) regulations in San Mateo County.
For properties within the City of San Mateo, the regulations require operators to apply for a short-term rental registration, obtain a business license, complete a transient occupancy tax (TOT) certification form, and adhere to operating standards outlined by the city. These standards include limitations on the number of days a property can be rented out annually when the host is not present on-site, restrictions on the use of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) for short-term rentals, and requirements for local contact availability, off-street parking, and occupancy limits. The annual registration fee for a short-term rental in the City of San Mateo is $250.
In the unincorporated Coastal Zone of San Mateo County, property owners may legally rent part or all of their home as a short-term rental (less than 30 days) with a permit and payment of Transient Occupancy Tax. This allowance is specifically for legal residences on parcels zoned for Single Family or Multi-Family residential use within the Coastal Zone. The process for obtaining a permit involves a 3-4 week timeframe and an application fee of $300.
Navigate and apply for licensing requirements in your local area with ease. We've thoughtfully detailed the fundamental requirements that you, as a valued short-term rental host need to meet.
Occupancy is limited to 2 people per bedroom or 10 people per property, whichever is less.
In unincorporated areas of San Mateo County, particularly within the Coastal Zone, short-term rentals are allowed under specific conditions. Property owners can rent out their homes for short durations (less than 30 days) with a permit and must pay Transient Occupancy Tax. Short-term rentals are permitted only within legal residences zoned for single-family or multi-family residential use within the Coastal Zone.
A transient occupancy tax of 14% is levied by the city. Monthly payments are made to the City by renters who collect the tax from their guests.
Regulations for short-term rentals include specific insurance requirements to ensure that properties are adequately protected.
Building, health, and safety regulations in San Mateo County do affect short-term rentals, particularly in the Coastal Zone.
Properties with three or fewer bedrooms must provide at least one off-street parking space. Properties with four or more bedrooms must provide at least two off-street parking spaces.
Before advertising or making your property available for short-term rental, you must register your primary residence as a Short-Term Rental with the city. This registration includes submitting a form with your contact information, the address of the residence being used for short-term rental, contact information for a local contact person, and an acknowledgment of compliance with the city's Zoning Ordinance and Municipal Codes.
It is not permitted to hold weddings, parties, corporate gatherings, business activities, or any other events of a similar nature at the short-term rental property if they could potentially cause issues with parking, traffic, noise, or other neighborhood concerns.
None required
The limitations on the number of short-term rentals an individual can own in San Mateo County, specifically within the Coastal Zone, are defined by regulations focusing on zoning and usage rather than the explicit number of properties one can operate.
The Short-Term Rental property is not permitted to host weddings, parties, corporate gatherings, commercial functions, or any other events of a similar nature that can potentially cause issues with parking, traffic, noise, or other neighborhood concerns.
The Short-Term Rental property is not permitted to host weddings, parties, corporate gatherings, commercial functions, or any other events of a similar nature that can potentially cause issues with parking, traffic, noise, or other neighborhood concerns.
There is an annual limit of 120 days per calendar year, when hosts are not present. Hosted properties have no annual limit on the number of days they can be rented.
Waste Disposal Regulations are outlined to ensure that these accommodations do not negatively impact the surrounding neighborhoods.
There are no specific accessibility requirements
Waste Disposal Regulations are outlined to ensure that these accommodations do not negatively impact the surrounding neighborhoods.
A Local Contact Person is provided as part of registration application and renewal in order to assist with potential noise, parking, trash, or traffic issues. This person must be available 24 hours, seven days a week during the term of a rental stay. They must respond with 60 minutes and take remedial action to resolve any complaints.
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Lodge compliance is not a licensed tax or financial advisor. Therefore nothing in the above article should be construed as tax, legal, or financial advice. Contact your local tax office for information regarding your personal circumstance.
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