Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Del Mar, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Del Mar, CA, but with restrictions. The adopted STR ordinance accommodates 150 identified 'Existing STRs' and restricts 'New STR' permits via a citywide cap of 129; new owners must join a waitlist. Operators must collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and comply with submittal requirements including floor plans, parking plans, and a Good Neighbor Policy. 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.

The adopted STR ordinance accommodates 150 identified 'Existing STRs' and restricts 'New STR' permits via a citywide cap of 129; new owners must join a waitlist. Operators must collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and comply with submittal requirements including floor plans, parking plans, and a Good Neighbor Policy.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Del Mar. 1) Eligible Existing STR owners apply online via the Rentalscape portal during the application window (March 2–May 1, 2026) and upload required documents (floor plan, parking photos, proof of ownership, rental agreement, and Good Neighbor Policy). 2) City staff review the application and issue an invoice for the $815 permit fee, which must be paid within 30 days. 3) Approved permits are valid for two years and require a renewal fee of $598.

1) Eligible Existing STR owners apply online via the Rentalscape portal during the application window (March 2–May 1, 2026) and upload required documents (floor plan, parking photos, proof of ownership, rental agreement, and Good Neighbor Policy). 2) City staff review the application and issue an invoice for the $815 permit fee, which must be paid within 30 days. 3) Approved permits are valid for two years and require a renewal fee of $598.

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