Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in San Clemente?

**Yes**, San Clemente requires a Short-Term Lodging Unit (STLU) Permit to operate legally. You need to apply for this permit through the city, ensuring compliance with Municipal Code Chapter 3.24. This permit is essential for all short-term rentals within the city limits.

What is the TOT tax rate in San Clemente?

**10% TOT** is the current transient occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals in San Clemente. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the city. Ensure accurate reporting and timely payments to avoid penalties. Check with the local finance department for details.

Are short-term rentals allowed in San Clemente?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in San Clemente, but they are strictly regulated. The city enforces density limits and operational standards, including noise monitoring. Compliance with Municipal Code Chapter 3.24 is mandatory. Check current zoning regulations and density restrictions before operating a short-term rental.

How much does an STR permit cost in San Clemente?

**$175** is the cost of the Short-Term Lodging Unit (STLU) Permit in San Clemente. You need this permit to legally operate a short-term rental. Ensure that you apply and pay this fee to comply with local regulations as outlined in Municipal Code Chapter 3.24.

Can renters host on Airbnb in San Clemente?

**No**, renters are not allowed to host on Airbnb in San Clemente. Only property owners are eligible to apply for and obtain a Short-Term Lodging Unit (STLU) Permit. This restriction is part of the city's regulations under Municipal Code Chapter 3.24 to manage short-term rentals.

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Summary

Short-term rentals (STLUs) are strictly regulated in San Clemente under Municipal Code Chapter 3.24, requiring both a business license and a specific STLU permit. The city enforces density limits and strict operational standards, including the mandatory use of noise monitoring devices.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 36 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $175
•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 San Clemente, you must first confirm your property is in a permitted zone, as the city has a 'cap' and specific distance requirements between rentals in many areas. You will need to apply for a Business License and an STLU Permit, which costs $175 annually. Once permitted, you must install a noise monitor, post your permit number on all listings, and file tax reports every three months, even if Airbnb collects the taxes for you. Be aware that operating without a permit carries a very high fine of $1,000 per day.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$175

Processing Time

4-6 weeks

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Unpermitted rentals face a mandatory $1,000 per day fine with no warnings.
2.New STLU permits are generally prohibited in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) created after January 2017.
3.Noise monitoring devices (like NoiseAware or Minut) are mandatory for all permitted units.
4.Owners are limited to holding only one STLU permit within the city.
5.There is a 300-foot separation requirement between STLUs in certain residential zones.
6.Your permit number must be prominently displayed in the first line of your Airbnb/VRBO description.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(12)

•San Clemente: Properties with affordable housing restrictions or subsidies cannot be used for short-term rentals.
•San Clemente: New STLU permits are generally prohibited in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) created after January 2017.
•San Clemente: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements(18)

•San Clemente has different permit classes: Standard STLU (Non-owner occupied) or Home Share (Owner occupied). Hosted vs. unhosted rentals have different requirements.
•San Clemente, CA: Hosts must report their rental activity quarterly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.

Application Process(9)

•San Clemente STR permit - Step 1: Zoning Verification. Check the city's interactive STLU map to ensure your property is in a zone that allows new short-term lodging permits. Time: 1 day.

Fees & Costs(1)

•San Clemente charges a registration fee of $175 (annual).

Taxes(1)

•San Clemente charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 10%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb remits TOT for San Clemente; however, hosts must still file quarterly returns showing zero balance.

Limits & Restrictions(8)

•San Clemente enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
•San Clemente, CA: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•San Clemente: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.

Safety Requirements(1)

•San Clemente requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Exterior noise monitoring device required, Trash management plan.

Penalties(4)

•San Clemente: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(3)

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

San Clemente

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(12)

Requirements(18)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(1)

Limits & Restrictions(8)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(4)

Exemptions(3)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

Anaheim

Mammoth Lakes

Big Bear Lake

San Clemente

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 San Clemente?

2What is the TOT tax rate in San Clemente?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in San Clemente?

4How much does an STR permit cost in San Clemente?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in San Clemente?

Related Content

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

Anaheim

Mammoth Lakes

Big Bear Lake