Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Paso Robles?

**Yes**, Paso Robles requires a Short-Term Rental Permit for rentals under 30 days. You need to apply for this permit through the city, with a fee of $582. Additionally, hosts need to obtain a business license to legally operate a short-term rental within city limits. (53 words)

What is the TOT tax rate in Paso Robles?

**12% TOT** is the current transient occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals in Paso Robles, CA. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the city. Measure K-24, passed in November 2024, increased the TOT. Check city guidelines for reporting and payment procedures. (54 words)

Are short-term rentals allowed in Paso Robles?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally allowed in Paso Robles, CA, but they are subject to specific regulations. You need to obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit and a Business License to operate legally. Compliance with local zoning ordinances and safety standards is also required. Always verify current regulations before listing your property. (52 words)

How much does an STR permit cost in Paso Robles?

**$582** is the current fee for a Short-Term Rental Permit in Paso Robles, CA. This fee is required to obtain the necessary permit for operating a short-term rental within the city. Make sure to check with the city's planning department for any potential updates to this fee and application procedures. (53 words)

Can renters host on Airbnb in Paso Robles?

**No**, renters are generally not allowed to host on Airbnb in Paso Robles, CA. The regulations typically require that the property owner or a designated property manager obtain the necessary permits and licenses. Renters looking to host on Airbnb should consult their lease agreement and local regulations for clarification. (52 words)

Paso Robles, CA Short-Term Rental Laws

Gold Standard Verification

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Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

3 Official Sources

Summary

Paso Robles requires a Short-Term Rental Permit and a Business License for all rentals under 30 days. The city recently increased its Transient Occupancy Tax to 12% following the passage of Measure K-24 in November 2024.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 48 (moderate)

Why this classification:

•High permit fee: $582
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in Paso Robles, you must first apply for a Short-Term Rental Permit from the city's Community Development department. You are limited to owning only one STR property in the city, and you cannot use an ADU built after 2017 for short-term stays. As of January 2025, you must collect 12% tax from your guests, though platforms like Airbnb will handle the collection for you. You are also required to post a 'Good Neighbor' brochure in your rental and respond to any noise complaints within 30 minutes.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$582

Processing Time

30-45 days

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.TOT rate increased to 12% on Jan 1, 2025; ensure your listing reflects the new rate.
2.Only one STR permit is allowed per person/entity in the city limits.
3.ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) built after January 2017 cannot be used as STRs.
4.A local contact person must be available 24/7 and respond to complaints within 30 minutes.
5.The maximum occupancy is strictly 10 people, regardless of house size.
6.Events, parties, and weddings are strictly prohibited at STR properties.
7.Properties in the STR Overlay District (Downtown) have different density caps than other zones.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(13)

•Paso Robles allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwellings, Multi-family dwellings (subject to density limits).
•Paso Robles: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Paso Robles does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.

Requirements(19)

•Paso Robles STR warning: Events, parties, and weddings are strictly prohibited at STR properties.
•Paso Robles STR warning: TOT rate increased to 12% on Jan 1, 2025; ensure your listing reflects the new rate.
•Paso Robles STR warning: Only one STR permit is allowed per person/entity in the city limits.
•Paso Robles STR warning: The maximum occupancy is strictly 10 people, regardless of house size.

Application Process(11)

•Paso Robles STR permit - Step 4: Fire Inspection. Schedule and pass a fire life safety inspection with Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services. Time: 14 days.
•Paso Robles, CA: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: Floor plan with emergency exits, Proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance, Local contact person info, Business license application, Good Neighbor Brochure signed acknowledgment.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Paso Robles charges a registration fee of $582 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $150 (Application fee is $582; Annual renewal fee is $150.).

Taxes(2)

•Paso Robles charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 12%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit the base TOT, but hosts must still file quarterly zero-dollar returns if platform-remitted.
•Paso Robles: TOT rate increased to 12% on Jan 1, 2025; ensure your listing reflects the new rate.

Limits & Restrictions(11)

•Paso Robles limits STRs to a maximum of 10 guests. Formula: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 10 total.
•Paso Robles: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Paso Robles limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Paso Robles requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Trash schedule must be posted, Noise sensors encouraged but not required, Parking map must be provided to guests.

Penalties(3)

•Paso Robles enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $1,000. Second offense: $2,000. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: $1,000. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Paso Robles, CA: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(3)

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

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

Paso Robles

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(13)

Requirements(19)

Application Process(11)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(11)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(3)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

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Anaheim

Mammoth Lakes

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Paso Robles

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Paso Robles?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Paso Robles?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Paso Robles?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Paso Robles?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Paso Robles?

Related Content

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

Anaheim

Mammoth Lakes

Big Bear Lake