Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Marin County, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Marin County, CA, but with restrictions. STRs are limited to one per property and one per operator. There is a countywide cap of 1,200 licenses (excluding Dillon Beach) with additional township-specific caps. Most properties must provide two onsite parking spaces. ADUs built after January 1, 2020, are ineligible. Operators must display exterior signage with local contact info and notify neighbors within 300 feet. 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.

STRs are limited to one per property and one per operator. There is a countywide cap of 1,200 licenses (excluding Dillon Beach) with additional township-specific caps. Most properties must provide two onsite parking spaces. ADUs built after January 1, 2020, are ineligible. Operators must display exterior signage with local contact info and notify neighbors within 300 feet.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Marin County. 1) Prepare application materials including a site plan showing parking, water system documentation, and a self-certification form for building, fire, and defensible space safety. 2) Provide proof of primary residence for hosted STRs (e.g., 6-month residency declaration and utility bills). 3) Submit the application and fee ($150-$600) in person or by mail to the Community Development Agency; online applications are not accepted. Licenses must be renewed every two years.

1) Prepare application materials including a site plan showing parking, water system documentation, and a self-certification form for building, fire, and defensible space safety. 2) Provide proof of primary residence for hosted STRs (e.g., 6-month residency declaration and utility bills). 3) Submit the application and fee ($150-$600) in person or by mail to the Community Development Agency; online applications are not accepted. Licenses must be renewed every two years.

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