Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Pacific Grove, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Pacific Grove, CA, but with restrictions. STRs are restricted to Coastal and Commercial zones with a city-wide cap of 250 licenses. Regulations include a one-per-parcel limit, a 55-foot zone of exclusion between STRs, and occupancy limits of two persons per bedroom plus one additional person. 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 restricted to Coastal and Commercial zones with a city-wide cap of 250 licenses. Regulations include a one-per-parcel limit, a 55-foot zone of exclusion between STRs, and occupancy limits of two persons per bedroom plus one additional person.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Pacific Grove. 1. Submit an application form including a site plan, smoke/CO alarm affidavit, and a building inspection report from a certified third-party using the City's checklist. 2. Pay the required application and license fees. 3. Renew the license annually, with a new building inspection report required every other renewal period.

1. Submit an application form including a site plan, smoke/CO alarm affidavit, and a building inspection report from a certified third-party using the City's checklist. 2. Pay the required application and license fees. 3. Renew the license annually, with a new building inspection report required every other renewal period.

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