Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Pismo Beach?

**Yes**, a Short-Term Rental Permit is required to legally operate a short-term rental in Pismo Beach. You need to apply for a permit through the city and adhere to all regulations, including zoning restrictions and safety standards. Operating without a valid permit can result in fines and penalties.

What is the TOT tax rate in Pismo Beach?

**10% TOT** (Transient Occupancy Tax) is required for all short-term rentals in Pismo Beach. You are responsible for collecting this tax from your guests and remitting it to the city on a monthly or quarterly basis. Check with the city's finance department for specific reporting deadlines and procedures.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Pismo Beach?

**Yes**, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals in Pismo Beach are limited to specific residential and commercial zones. They are prohibited in most inland residential neighborhoods and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). You need to verify your property's zoning designation with the city's planning department before operating a rental.

How much does an STR permit cost in Pismo Beach?

**$500** is the current annual fee for a Short-Term Rental Permit in Pismo Beach. You need to renew this permit annually and comply with all requirements to maintain its validity. Additional fees or charges may apply for inspections or violations. Check the city's website for the most up-to-date fee schedule.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Pismo Beach?

**No**, tenants are not allowed to host short-term rentals in Pismo Beach. The city's regulations require that the property owner or authorized property manager apply for and hold the short-term rental permit. Subletting or renting out a property without the owner's consent is strictly prohibited and subject to penalties.

Pismo Beach, CA Short-Term Rental Laws

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Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

3 Official Sources

Summary

Pismo Beach strictly regulates short-term rentals, limiting them to specific residential and commercial zones while prohibiting them in most inland residential neighborhoods and ADUs. Hosts must obtain both a business license and an STVR permit, adhere to a 10% TOT rate, and post exterior contact signage.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 48 (moderate)

Why this classification:

•High permit fee: $500
•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 Pismo Beach, you first need to check the city's official map to see if your home is in a 'permitted zone.' If it is, you must apply for a special Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) permit and a city business license. You are required to pay a 10% tax on all bookings, which you must handle yourself because the platforms do not always pay it for you here. You'll also need a local contact person available 24/7 and must pass a safety inspection before you can start hosting.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$500

Processing Time

30-60 days

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Verify your exact address; many 'Pismo Beach' addresses are actually in unincorporated San Luis Obispo County which has different rules.
2.STRs are strictly prohibited in all Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
3.You must post a sign on the exterior of the property containing 24/7 contact information for the manager.
4.The city has a strict limit of one STR permit per owner/entity.
5.Platforms like Airbnb do not automatically remit TOT for Pismo Beach; you must file quarterly returns manually.
6.Off-street parking is mandatory and guests are typically prohibited from parking on the street in many zones.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(11)

•Pismo Beach prohibits STRs in the following property types: ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), Multi-family apartments, Mobile homes.
•Pismo Beach allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwellings, Condominiums.
•Pismo Beach: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(19)

•Pismo Beach requires STR registration. The permit is called "Short-Term Rental Permit". Apply through Community Development Department. Processing time: 30-60 days. Renewal is required.
•Pismo Beach, CA has different permit classes: Owner-Occupied (Home-share) or Non-Owner Occupied (Vacation Rental). Hosted vs. unhosted rentals have different requirements.

Application Process(11)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Pismo Beach: Step 1: Zoning Verification - Verify your property is in a zone that allows STRs using the City's interactive map. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://www.pismobeach.org/1054/Short-Term-Rentals Step 2: Business License Application - Obtain a standard Pismo Beach Business License. Estimated time: 14 days. Cost: 100. More info: https://www.pismobeach.org/161/Business-Licenses Step 3: STVR Permit Application - Submit full STVR application including property management plan and floor plans. Documents needed: Management Plan, Site Plan, Proof of Insurance. Estimated time: 30 days. Cost: 500. More info: https://www.pismobeach.org/1054/Short-Term-Rentals Step 4: Inspection - Schedule and pass a fire and safety inspection by the city. Estimated time: 7 days.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Pismo Beach charges a registration fee of $500 (annual).

Taxes(2)

•Pismo Beach charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 10%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax. Note: Hosts are responsible for direct remittance; Pismo Beach generally does not have collection agreements with Airbnb/VRBO.

Limits & Restrictions(8)

•Pismo Beach enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
•Pismo Beach, CA occupancy calculation: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional, not to exceed 10 total.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Pismo Beach, CA: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Pismo Beach limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Pismo Beach requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Exterior noise monitoring may be required, Signage with 24/7 contact info must be posted on the exterior.

Penalties(3)

•Pismo Beach, CA: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Pismo Beach enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $500. Second offense: $1,000. Third offense: Permit Revocation. Daily fine: $500. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(3)

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

Pismo Beach

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(11)

Requirements(19)

Application Process(11)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(8)

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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Pismo Beach

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Pismo Beach?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Pismo Beach?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Pismo Beach?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Pismo Beach?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Pismo Beach?

Related Content

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

Anaheim

Mammoth Lakes

Big Bear Lake