Short-Term Rental Regulations
in San Clemente, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in San Clemente, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term lodging (29 or fewer days) is permitted only in specific mixed-use and multi-family zones, with a cap limiting permits to less than 20% of housing units in those areas. Short-Term Apartment Rentals (STARs) require an on-site owner or manager, a 300-foot separation from other rentals, and are limited to five units per parcel. All operators must collect a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax 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.

Short-term lodging (29 or fewer days) is permitted only in specific mixed-use and multi-family zones, with a cap limiting permits to less than 20% of housing units in those areas. Short-Term Apartment Rentals (STARs) require an on-site owner or manager, a 300-foot separation from other rentals, and are limited to five units per parcel. All operators must collect a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax and notify neighbors within 300 feet.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in San Clemente. 1) Submit a one-time STLU Zoning Permit ($140) or STAR Permit ($536) application to the Planning Division. 2) Upon approval, apply for an annual STLU Operating License ($105) with the Business License office, providing proof of insurance, neighbor notification (300 ft), and a recorded County covenant regarding ownership change. 3) Register for and remit 10% Transient Occupancy Tax quarterly.

1) Submit a one-time STLU Zoning Permit ($140) or STAR Permit ($536) application to the Planning Division. 2) Upon approval, apply for an annual STLU Operating License ($105) with the Business License office, providing proof of insurance, neighbor notification (300 ft), and a recorded County covenant regarding ownership change. 3) Register for and remit 10% Transient Occupancy Tax quarterly.

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