Are short-term rentals allowed in Del Mar?

**No**, short-term rentals are prohibited in Del Mar's residential zones. The city operates under permissive zoning, and because STRs are not explicitly listed as a permitted use, they are illegal and actively enforced. While the city attempted to draft regulations, efforts stalled.

What is the TOT tax rate in Del Mar?

**13% TOT** is the transient occupancy tax rate in Del Mar. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the city. Check with the city's finance department for specific instructions on reporting and payment schedules, as well as any applicable exemptions.

Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Del Mar?

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in Del Mar, though standard state and county regulations may still apply. However, because short-term rentals are prohibited in residential zones, operating an STR is illegal. Always check with the Del Mar zoning office before operating a short-term rental.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Del Mar?

**No**, renters cannot legally host on Airbnb in Del Mar. Short-term rentals are prohibited in all residential zones, meaning neither property owners nor tenants are permitted to operate them. Violations are actively enforced, so it is important to check with the city before listing a rental.

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Del Mar?

**Penalties** can vary for operating an illegal STR in Del Mar. As short-term rentals are prohibited in residential zones, operating one can result in fines and legal action. Contact the city's code enforcement or planning department for detailed information on potential penalties and compliance requirements.

Del Mar, CA Short-Term Rental Laws... | Learn STR by GoStudioM

Gold Standard Verification

100%

Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

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Summary

Short-term rentals (defined as stays of less than 30 consecutive days) are PROHIBITED in all residential zones within the City of Del Mar. The city operates under permissive zoning, meaning because STRs are not explicitly listed as a permitted use, they are illegal. While the city attempted to draft regulations in recent years, those efforts were stalled by Coastal Commission requirements, and the default prohibition remains in effect and is actively enforced.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Residential STRs prohibited
•All residential property types prohibited
•Severe night cap: 0 nights/year
•Long minimum stay: 30 nights
•Tenants cannot host
•No STR-specific permit required
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in Del Mar, you must rent your property for at least 30 consecutive days. Stays of less than 30 days are strictly prohibited in all residential areas of the city. While many properties still list on platforms, they are doing so in violation of city code and risk significant daily fines. The city does not issue permits for short-term vacation rentals and actively pursues enforcement against illegal listings.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Short-term rentals of less than 30 days are completely prohibited in residential zones.
2.Del Mar follows 'Permissive Zoning'—if a use isn't listed as allowed, it is banned.
3.Renting for 29 days or fewer is considered a violation of the municipal code.
4.The TOT rate was increased to 13% in 2023, though this primarily applies to legal hotels/motels.
5.Enforcement is active and can result in fines up to $1,000 per day.
6.Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are also prohibited from being used as short-term rentals.
7.Properties in unincorporated San Diego County follow different rules; verify your parcel is within City limits.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Del Mar: Short-term rentals of less than 30 days are completely prohibited in residential zones.
•Del Mar: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Del Mar, CA: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(13)

•Del Mar: Del Mar follows 'Permissive Zoning'—if a use isn't listed as allowed, it is banned.
•Del Mar STR warning: Renting for 29 days or fewer is considered a violation of the municipal code.

Application Process(4)

•Del Mar STR permit - Step 1: Acknowledge Prohibition. Short-term rentals (less than 30 consecutive days) are not a permitted use in any residential zone in the City of Del Mar.

Taxes(2)

•Del Mar charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 13%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax. Note: As the use is prohibited, there is no voluntary collection agreement for residential STRs.
•Del Mar: The TOT rate was increased to 13% in 2023, though this primarily applies to legal hotels/motels.

Limits & Restrictions(3)

•Del Mar enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 8:00 AM.
•Del Mar: Properties in unincorporated San Diego County follow different rules; verify your parcel is within City limits.
•Del Mar requires a minimum stay of 30 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Del Mar requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher.

Penalties(4)

•Del Mar: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.
•Del Mar: Enforcement is active and can result in fines up to $1,000 per day.
•Del Mar enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by enforcement action. Daily fine: Up to $1,000 per violation. Criminal penalties may apply.

Exemptions(3)

•Del Mar, CA: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Del Mar: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Del Mar exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days).

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

California

Strict

The City of Los Angeles requires all short-term rental hosts to register for a Home-Sharing permit and only permits the rental of one's primary residence. Stays are capped at 120 days per year unless an Extended Home-Sharing permit is obtained, and rentals in RSO-regulated buildings or newer ADUs are strictly prohibited.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Anaheim

California

Prohibited

Short-term rentals in Anaheim are strictly limited to approximately 277 'pre-moratorium' operators who were grandfathered in 2019. The city currently prohibits the issuance of any new STR permits. Allowed operators must follow rigid 'Good Neighbor' policies, enforce a 3-night minimum stay, and pay a 15% Transient Occupancy Tax.

Permit required

15.0% total tax

Mammoth Lakes

California

Moderate

Short-term rentals are heavily regulated in Mammoth Lakes and generally restricted to multi-family and resort zones (RMF-2, Resort, etc.). Hosts must obtain an STR Certificate and a Business Tax Certificate, and pay a total TOT rate of 13%. Stays of 31 days or longer are exempt from these regulations.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Big Bear Lake

California

Strict

The City of Big Bear Lake regulates short-term rentals under Chapter 5.44, requiring an annual license, rigorous safety inspections, and a strict guest limit of 2 per bedroom plus 2. Owners are limited to 2 licenses total and must remit a 9% combined TOT and TBID tax quarterly.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Del Mar

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

Requirements(13)

Application Process(4)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(3)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(4)

Exemptions(3)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Anaheim

Mammoth Lakes

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Del Mar

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

1Are short-term rentals allowed in Del Mar?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Del Mar?

3Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Del Mar?

4Can renters host on Airbnb in Del Mar?

5What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Del Mar?

Related Content

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

Anaheim

Mammoth Lakes

Big Bear Lake