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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Vista, CA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are permitted in the City of Vista only after obtaining a City STR Permit; ADUs are explicitly excluded. Operators must remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) for stays of 30 consecutive calendar days or less; non-hosted rentals have a two-night minimum stay, quiet hours are 9:00 p.m.–9:00 a.m., events (e.g., weddings/filming) are prohibited, guest occupancy is limited (double the number of rooms plus one), and an owner may operate up to five local STRs. STRs must display a local 24/7 contact number at the property.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Apply online through the City’s STR portal (Vista’s Deckard portal) as the property owner or authorized agent and create/manage your STR account; 2) Provide required operator information and a 24/7 local contact, review Vista Municipal Code Chapter 8.34, and register for/transmit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) via the portal; 3) Comply with operational requirements (display contact phone, comply with quiet hours, guest limits); failure to comply may result in fines, suspension, or revocation.

Official Resources

Official Vista STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Vista, CA?
Short-term rentals are permitted in the City of Vista only after obtaining a City STR Permit; ADUs are explicitly excluded. Operators must remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) for stays of 30 consecutive calendar days or less; non-hosted rentals have a two-night minimum stay, quiet hours are 9:00 p.m.–9:00 a.m., events (e.g., weddings/filming) are prohibited, guest occupancy is limited (double the number of rooms plus one), and an owner may operate up to five local STRs. STRs must display a local 24/7 contact number at the property.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Vista?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Vista. 1) Apply online through the City’s STR portal (Vista’s Deckard portal) as the property owner or authorized agent and create/manage your STR account; 2) Provide required operator information and a 24/7 local contact, review Vista Municipal Code Chapter 8.34, and register for/transmit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) via the portal; 3) Comply with operational requirements (display contact phone, comply with quiet hours, guest limits); failure to comply may result in fines, suspension, or revocation.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Vista?
1) Apply online through the City’s STR portal (Vista’s Deckard portal) as the property owner or authorized agent and create/manage your STR account; 2) Provide required operator information and a 24/7 local contact, review Vista Municipal Code Chapter 8.34, and register for/transmit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) via the portal; 3) Comply with operational requirements (display contact phone, comply with quiet hours, guest limits); failure to comply may result in fines, suspension, or revocation.
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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