Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Pismo Beach, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Pismo Beach, CA, but with restrictions. Vacation Rentals are restricted to C-1, RR, or R-4 zones in the downtown core. New Short-Term Rentals in residential zones are prohibited as of Nov 7, 2023; only existing permitted addresses may operate. All units must pass a safety inspection (smoke/CO alarms, fire extinguishers, 6-inch address numbering) and obtain a Business License and TOT Certificate. 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.

Vacation Rentals are restricted to C-1, RR, or R-4 zones in the downtown core. New Short-Term Rentals in residential zones are prohibited as of Nov 7, 2023; only existing permitted addresses may operate. All units must pass a safety inspection (smoke/CO alarms, fire extinguishers, 6-inch address numbering) and obtain a Business License and TOT Certificate.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Pismo Beach. 1. Submit an application via the CitizenServe online portal for Planning Division approval. 2. Schedule and pass a compliance inspection by Code Enforcement using the City's Inspector's Checklist. 3. Upon Planning approval, obtain a Business License and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate from the Finance Department.

1. Submit an application via the CitizenServe online portal for Planning Division approval. 2. Schedule and pass a compliance inspection by Code Enforcement using the City's Inspector's Checklist. 3. Upon Planning approval, obtain a Business License and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate from the Finance Department.

Vrbo is permitted in Pismo Beach, 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 Pismo Beach 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.

The most recent tracked change in Pismo Beach is "Pismo Beach STR Permit Program" (2022-10-01, status: passed). City requires annual STR permit with fire safety inspection; permit number required in all platform listings. Occupancy limits and noise compliance enforced. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.

An annual City of Pismo Beach STR permit with fire safety inspection. You must also register with the city for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) remittance and comply with San Luis Obispo County TOT requirements. Permit number required in all listings.

Pismo Beach is generally more permissive than cities like Laguna Beach, Santa Cruz, or Malibu. No cap on STR permits is in place, and primary-residence requirements have not been enacted. It remains one of California's more accessible coastal markets for STR operators.

City of Pismo Beach TOT plus San Luis Obispo County TOT — both apply and must be remitted separately. California state income tax applies to rental income. Platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit TOT on your behalf for platform-facilitated bookings.