Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Imperial Beach, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Imperial Beach, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are defined as residential rentals for less than 30 consecutive days and are expressly permitted in the City’s commercial/mixed-use zoning categories (C/MU-1, C/MU-2, C/MU-3); historically a limited set in R-1500 were provisionally permitted until Jan 1, 2007. Operators must obtain an active City business license and collect/remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT); rental properties are subject to annual fire-safety inspections and coastal or planning permits may apply if located in the coastal zone. 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 defined as residential rentals for less than 30 consecutive days and are expressly permitted in the City’s commercial/mixed-use zoning categories (C/MU-1, C/MU-2, C/MU-3); historically a limited set in R-1500 were provisionally permitted until Jan 1, 2007. Operators must obtain an active City business license and collect/remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT); rental properties are subject to annual fire-safety inspections and coastal or planning permits may apply if located in the coastal zone.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Imperial Beach. 1) Apply online through the City’s Citizen Self-Service (EnerGov) portal and select the business license category “Property Rental - Short Term”; 2) Pay required business license fees (invoice items listed: rental business license, state disability fee, and annual rental property fire-safety inspection fee) and register/collect/remit TOT (14% per IBMC ch. 3.24); 3) Comply with required routine fire-safety inspections by Imperial Beach Fire-Rescue/Housing and obtain any required planning or Coastal Permit if the property is in the coastal zone.

1) Apply online through the City’s Citizen Self-Service (EnerGov) portal and select the business license category “Property Rental - Short Term”; 2) Pay required business license fees (invoice items listed: rental business license, state disability fee, and annual rental property fire-safety inspection fee) and register/collect/remit TOT (14% per IBMC ch. 3.24); 3) Comply with required routine fire-safety inspections by Imperial Beach Fire-Rescue/Housing and obtain any required planning or Coastal Permit if the property is in the coastal zone.

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