If you’re planning a trip to San Diego, you may be wondering about the availability of short-term vacation rentals. With its beautiful beaches and thriving tourism industry, it’s no surprise that San Diego is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world.
However, navigating the regulations surrounding vacation rentals can be confusing. In this article, we’ll take a look at whether short-term vacation rentals are allowed in San Diego and what you need to know if you’re planning on renting one.
What are Short-Term Vacation Rentals?
Before we dive into the specifics of vacation rental regulations in San Diego, let’s define what we mean by “short-term vacation rental.” Essentially, this refers to renting out a residential property – such as an apartment or house – for a period of less than 30 days. This type of rental has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.
The History of Vacation Rental Regulations in San Diego
In 2015, the San Diego City Council passed regulations that aimed to address concerns about the impact of short-term vacation rentals on residential neighborhoods. These regulations required hosts to obtain a permit from the city’s Development Services Department and limited the number of permits available in each neighborhood. They also placed restrictions on noise levels and prohibited events like parties or weddings from taking place at vacation rental properties.
However, these regulations were met with controversy and legal challenges from both supporters and opponents of short-term vacation rentals. In 2018, a ballot measure called Measure F sought to overturn the regulations entirely but was ultimately defeated by voters.
The Current State of Vacation Rental Regulations in San Diego
As it stands today, short-term vacation rentals are still allowed in San Diego – but there are some important rules that hosts need to follow. First and foremost, hosts must obtain a permit from the city’s Development Services Department before renting out their property. The permit application process includes submitting documentation such as proof of property ownership and liability insurance.
Additionally, hosts are required to collect and remit transient occupancy taxes (TOT) to the city. These taxes are similar to hotel taxes and help support city services like police and fire departments.
Finally, hosts must comply with certain regulations around noise levels, parking, and occupancy limits. For example, vacation rental properties cannot be rented to more than two adults per bedroom plus one additional person per property. Hosts must also provide off-street parking for guests.
The Future of Vacation Rental Regulations in San Diego
While short-term vacation rentals are currently allowed in San Diego, the future of vacation rental regulations in the city is still uncertain. In late 2019, the City Council passed new regulations that would have placed even stricter limits on vacation rentals – including a prohibition on renting out second homes or investment properties – but these regulations were put on hold due to legal challenges.
As of early 2021, there is no clear timeline for when or if these new regulations will go into effect. In the meantime, hosts should continue to follow existing regulations and monitor any changes that may affect their ability to rent out their property as a vacation rental.
In Conclusion
Short-term vacation rentals are currently allowed in San Diego with certain restrictions and regulations in place. Hosts must obtain a permit from the city’s Development Services Department, collect and remit TOT taxes, and comply with rules around noise levels, parking, and occupancy limits. While there is uncertainty surrounding potential changes to these regulations in the future, hosts should stay informed about any updates that may affect their ability to rent out their property as a vacation rental.