Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Olema, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Olema, CA, but with restrictions. Countywide STRs in unincorporated Marin County are subject to Chapter 5.41 and Administrative Procedures; rentals of residential units for less than 30 days require a STR license (with exceptions). Countywide cap is 1,200 (excluding Dillon Beach) and Olema is specifically capped at 3 licenses; ADUs created after Jan 1, 2020 may be restricted from STR use; hosts must provide a local contact, post a county “good neighbor” sheet, display exterior signage with contact info and address, include STR license, Business License and TOT numbers in listings, 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.

Countywide STRs in unincorporated Marin County are subject to Chapter 5.41 and Administrative Procedures; rentals of residential units for less than 30 days require a STR license (with exceptions). Countywide cap is 1,200 (excluding Dillon Beach) and Olema is specifically capped at 3 licenses; ADUs created after Jan 1, 2020 may be restricted from STR use; hosts must provide a local contact, post a county “good neighbor” sheet, display exterior signage with contact info and address, include STR license, Business License and TOT numbers in listings, and notify neighbors within 300 feet.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Olema. 1) Apply to be on the Marin County STR License waitlist via the Planning Division STR webpage; when invited, submit a STR License application and required materials/fees to the Community Development Agency. 2) Application undergoes preliminary and technical review (e.g., fire, health); applicants must provide a site plan and septic/well documentation if applicable. 3) Obtain a County Business License and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate from the Department of Finance; licenses are valid for two years and must be renewed 60 days before expiration.

1) Apply to be on the Marin County STR License waitlist via the Planning Division STR webpage; when invited, submit a STR License application and required materials/fees to the Community Development Agency. 2) Application undergoes preliminary and technical review (e.g., fire, health); applicants must provide a site plan and septic/well documentation if applicable. 3) Obtain a County Business License and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate from the Department of Finance; licenses are valid for two years and must be renewed 60 days before expiration.

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