Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Avila Beach, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Avila Beach, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are restricted by a 50-foot separation requirement from other rentals in Avila Beach and a limit of four tenancies per month. Occupancy is capped at two persons per bedroom plus two, and all guest parking must be entirely on-site; rentals are prohibited in ADUs and guesthouses. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rentals are restricted by a 50-foot separation requirement from other rentals in Avila Beach and a limit of four tenancies per month. Occupancy is capped at two persons per bedroom plus two, and all guest parking must be entirely on-site; rentals are prohibited in ADUs and guesthouses.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Avila Beach. 1. Obtain a Zoning Clearance or Minor Use Permit from the Planning & Building Department. 2. Once authorized, apply for a County Business License and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate from the Tax Collector ($50 annual fee). 3. Notify neighbors within 200 feet and local emergency services as part of the application process.

1. Obtain a Zoning Clearance or Minor Use Permit from the Planning & Building Department. 2. Once authorized, apply for a County Business License and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate from the Tax Collector ($50 annual fee). 3. Notify neighbors within 200 feet and local emergency services as part of the application process.

Vrbo is permitted in Avila Beach, CA under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Avila Beach are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Avila Beach. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.