Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (less than 30 days) are prohibited in the single-family (R-1) residential district. In commercial and R-4 districts, rentals are restricted to existing legal nonconforming permits or new Housing Incentive Permits (requiring a conditional use permit); one off-street parking space per unit is required. 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 (less than 30 days) are prohibited in the single-family (R-1) residential district. In commercial and R-4 districts, rentals are restricted to existing legal nonconforming permits or new Housing Incentive Permits (requiring a conditional use permit); one off-street parking space per unit is required.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Carmel-By-The-Sea. New permits are only issued as Housing Incentive Permits. To obtain one, an applicant must apply for a Conditional Use Permit through the Planning and Building Department as an incentive for creating new affordable housing.

New permits are only issued as Housing Incentive Permits. To obtain one, an applicant must apply for a Conditional Use Permit through the Planning and Building Department as an incentive for creating new affordable housing.

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