Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Cardiff, CA

Short-term rental permits are required to rent single-family homes or duplexes for 30 days or less; multi-family dwellings may not be rented short-term and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are prohibited for STRs except for a limited set of existing, grandfathered ADU permits. The City distinguishes 'hosted' and 'non-hosted' units (non-hosted units subject to a three-night minimum), requires a visible permit display, a 24/7 local contact who must respond to complaints within one hour, and up-to-date Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) reporting.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Cardiff. 1) Submit the Short-Term Rental Permit application online through the Customer Self Service (CSS) portal (portal.encinitasca.gov), upload required documents (proof of ownership or owner authorization, site plan, floor plan) and concurrently submit business registration; pay the $425 application/renewal fee. 2) Applications are reviewed concurrently by Planning, Code Enforcement and Finance (approx. two-week review); Code Enforcement schedules and conducts an inspection for safety/occupancy compliance. 3) If approved a 1-year permit is issued; renewals are required annually via CSS with the same documentation, review, inspection, and fee.

1) Submit the Short-Term Rental Permit application online through the Customer Self Service (CSS) portal (portal.encinitasca.gov), upload required documents (proof of ownership or owner authorization, site plan, floor plan) and concurrently submit business registration; pay the $425 application/renewal fee. 2) Applications are reviewed concurrently by Planning, Code Enforcement and Finance (approx. two-week review); Code Enforcement schedules and conducts an inspection for safety/occupancy compliance. 3) If approved a 1-year permit is issued; renewals are required annually via CSS with the same documentation, review, inspection, and fee.