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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in San Mateo, CA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-Term Rentals are permitted in legal dwelling units (Accessory Dwelling Units excluded) but are limited by operating standards: primary residences must be registered; when a Host is present on-site rentals may occur unlimited days but when Host is not present a primary residence may be rented as a STR for no more than 120 days per calendar year. Other conditions include a required 24/7 local contact who responds within 60 minutes, parking minimums (1 off-street space for ≤3 bedrooms; 2 for ≥4 bedrooms), occupancy limited to two people per bedroom or 10 people per property (whichever is less), prohibition on special events, and requirement to collect/pay Transient Occupancy Tax and obtain a City business license.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Prior to advertising, submit the City’s Short-Term Rental registration form (on the City’s form/portal) for the primary residence, including host and local contact information and acknowledgement of compliance; 2) Pay the filing fee established by City Council resolution, obtain/maintain a City business license and complete transient occupancy tax (TOT) certification; 3) Registration is reviewed by the Community Development Director, approved when complete and compliant, is valid on a fiscal-year basis and must be renewed annually (renewal fees due no later than July 1).

Official Resources

Official San Mateo STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in San Mateo, CA?
Short-Term Rentals are permitted in legal dwelling units (Accessory Dwelling Units excluded) but are limited by operating standards: primary residences must be registered; when a Host is present on-site rentals may occur unlimited days but when Host is not present a primary residence may be rented as a STR for no more than 120 days per calendar year. Other conditions include a required 24/7 local contact who responds within 60 minutes, parking minimums (1 off-street space for ≤3 bedrooms; 2 for ≥4 bedrooms), occupancy limited to two people per bedroom or 10 people per property (whichever is less), prohibition on special events, and requirement to collect/pay Transient Occupancy Tax and obtain a City business license.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in San Mateo?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in San Mateo. 1) Prior to advertising, submit the City’s Short-Term Rental registration form (on the City’s form/portal) for the primary residence, including host and local contact information and acknowledgement of compliance; 2) Pay the filing fee established by City Council resolution, obtain/maintain a City business license and complete transient occupancy tax (TOT) certification; 3) Registration is reviewed by the Community Development Director, approved when complete and compliant, is valid on a fiscal-year basis and must be renewed annually (renewal fees due no later than July 1).
How do I get a short-term rental permit in San Mateo?
1) Prior to advertising, submit the City’s Short-Term Rental registration form (on the City’s form/portal) for the primary residence, including host and local contact information and acknowledgement of compliance; 2) Pay the filing fee established by City Council resolution, obtain/maintain a City business license and complete transient occupancy tax (TOT) certification; 3) Registration is reviewed by the Community Development Director, approved when complete and compliant, is valid on a fiscal-year basis and must be renewed annually (renewal fees due no later than July 1).
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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