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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Paso Robles, CA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are categorized as Homeshare (owner-occupied) or Non-Hosted. Regulations include a 100-foot separation requirement between units in R-1 zones, a cap on the total number of permits by zone, a requirement for a 24/7 local contact reachable within 30 minutes, and mandatory neighbor notification within 50 feet of the property.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit a completed STR Application Packet to the Planning Division, including floor/site plans, proof of safety compliance, and an authorized agent form. 2. Obtain a city business license and register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) payments. 3. Notify all neighbors within 50 feet of the property within 10 days of permit issuance. Permits must be renewed every 3 years, while business licenses are renewed annually.

Regulatory Updates — Paso Robles

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJanuary 2025

R-1 Zone Non-Hosted Permit Cap Enforcement

Paso Robles enforced its zone-based non-hosted STR permit caps, denying new applications in R-1 zones that had reached their cap limit and placing applicants on a waitlist pending any future cap adjustments.

PassedJuly 2024

100-Foot Separation Rule Compliance Audit

The City audited existing non-hosted STR permits in R-1 zones for compliance with the 100-foot separation requirement, identifying properties that were permitted before the rule took effect and grandfathering them with disclosure conditions.

PassedMarch 2024

Wine Country Event Restrictions Tightened for Non-Hosted STRs

Paso Robles tightened restrictions on commercial events at non-hosted STR properties — including wine tastings, private dinners, and weddings — following complaints about event-use STRs in residential neighborhoods near downtown.

Official Resources

Official Paso Robles STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing advocacy and compliance resources for vacation rental professionals navigating Paso Robles's Homeshare/Non-Hosted permit framework.

California Rental Housing AssociationStatewide

Statewide property owner and landlord advocacy group monitoring Paso Robles STR zone caps and separation requirements and opposing further tightening of the non-hosted permit framework.

Visit Paso RoblesLocal

Local destination marketing organization for the Paso Robles wine country, monitoring STR accommodation supply and its role in the region's growing wine and agritourism visitor economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Paso Robles, CA?
STRs are categorized as Homeshare (owner-occupied) or Non-Hosted. Regulations include a 100-foot separation requirement between units in R-1 zones, a cap on the total number of permits by zone, a requirement for a 24/7 local contact reachable within 30 minutes, and mandatory neighbor notification within 50 feet of the property.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Paso Robles?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Paso Robles. 1. Submit a completed STR Application Packet to the Planning Division, including floor/site plans, proof of safety compliance, and an authorized agent form. 2. Obtain a city business license and register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) payments. 3. Notify all neighbors within 50 feet of the property within 10 days of permit issuance. Permits must be renewed every 3 years, while business licenses are renewed annually.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Paso Robles?
1. Submit a completed STR Application Packet to the Planning Division, including floor/site plans, proof of safety compliance, and an authorized agent form. 2. Obtain a city business license and register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) payments. 3. Notify all neighbors within 50 feet of the property within 10 days of permit issuance. Permits must be renewed every 3 years, while business licenses are renewed annually.
What is the 100-foot separation requirement for Paso Robles STRs?
Non-hosted STRs in R-1 residential zones must be located at least 100 feet apart from any other non-hosted STR. This limits how densely non-hosted rentals can be concentrated in residential neighborhoods. If a nearby property already has a permit, your property may not qualify depending on proximity.
Can I host wine tastings or events at my Paso Robles STR?
No. Commercial events at non-hosted STR properties — including wine tastings, private dinners, and weddings — are prohibited in residential zones. Paso Robles tightened this restriction in 2024 following complaints about event-use STRs near downtown. Your STR permit covers guest stays, not commercial events.
What are the permit categories in Paso Robles and which do I need?
Paso Robles has two categories: Homeshare (owner-occupied, host present during stays) and Non-Hosted (owner not present). Homeshare permits are more accessible. Non-Hosted permits in R-1 zones are subject to zone caps, the 100-foot separation rule, and a 24/7 local contact requirement.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction