Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Imperial Beach, CA

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.