San Rafael, California Short Term Rental Regulations

City Code of Ordinances

San Rafael allows short-term rentals. All or a portion of the Residential Unit is offered for Tourist or Transient Use by the Permanent Resident of the Residential Unit. The Residential Unit is the Primary Residence of the Permanent Resident. A "Primary Resident" is a person who occupies a Residential Unit for at least 60 consecutive days with the intent to establish that unit as their primary residence. A Permanent Resident may be an owner or a lessee.

The City allows two individuals per bedroom plus two additional individuals if the rental provides additional living space as maximum occupancy. For more information, see the following:

• San Rafael Short-Term Rental Program
• Policy Resolution 14737- Short-Term Rental Program Policies and Procedures

Business License Requirements

You will need a Short-Term Rental License to rent a short-term rental to guests in San Rafael.

Additional Resources:

• Property Registration Checklist
• Self-Certification Safety Inspection Checklist (Required for all properties)
• Self-Certification Vegetation Inspection Checklist (Required by April 30 annually for properties in a Wildland Urban Interface)

To find out if your property is in a Wildland Urban Interface, visit this here.

Building and Housing Standards

San Rafael has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Contact the Building Division for more information.

Additional Resources:
Interior Signage Requirements: Properties offered as Short-Term Rentals shall have a visible and legible notice posted on or directly adjacent to the inside of the front door

• Example Short-Term Rental Interior Signage Template
• Example Short-Term Rental Fire Safety Guest Information
• Example Short Term Rental Evacuation Guest Information

Parking Plan Requirements:

• Existing variances;
• Shared maneuvering diagrams or conditions;
• Signage identifying designated off-street parking spaces;
• Agreements indicating designated off-street parking spaces.

Tourist and Local Taxes

The City requires hosts to collect and remit Transient Occupancy Taxes (TOT) for all short-term rentals. TOT is 12% (10% City, 2% for MCBIDTA).

Other Rules

It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit San Rafael for more information.