Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Carmel, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Carmel, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are prohibited in single-family (R-1) zones. They are permitted in certain commercial and multiunit districts (CC, SC, RC, and R-4) only as legal nonconforming units or under the Housing Incentive program; one off-street parking space is required per unit, and operators must pay transient occupancy tax. 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 (under 30 days) are prohibited in single-family (R-1) zones. They are permitted in certain commercial and multiunit districts (CC, SC, RC, and R-4) only as legal nonconforming units or under the Housing Incentive program; one off-street parking space is required per unit, and operators must pay transient occupancy tax.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Carmel. 1) For new rentals under the Housing Incentive program, apply for a Conditional Use Permit through the Community Planning & Building Department. 2) Ensure the unit meets density and size requirements (e.g., two units ≥650 sq ft) and provides required off-street parking. 3) Maintain the rental at the original site of approval.

1) For new rentals under the Housing Incentive program, apply for a Conditional Use Permit through the Community Planning & Building Department. 2) Ensure the unit meets density and size requirements (e.g., two units ≥650 sq ft) and provides required off-street parking. 3) Maintain the rental at the original site of approval.

Vrbo is permitted in Carmel, 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 Carmel 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 Carmel. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.