Carlsbad

The City of Carlsbad permits short-term vacation rentals primarily within the Coastal Zone, requiring an annual STVR permit and a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax. Outside the Coastal Zone, new STVR operations are restricted and may be considered prohibited under current zoning interpretations.

To host an Airbnb in Carlsbad, you must first confirm your property is in the 'Coastal Zone,' as new permits are typically only issued there. You need to apply for an annual STVR permit ($150) and provide proof of $1 million in liability insurance. Unlike some other cities, Airbnb does not collect taxes for you here—you are responsible for manually remitting the 10% tax to the city every quarter. You must also limit your guests to 2 per bedroom plus one extra person, and always post your permit number on your listing.