Forensically verified with 3+ official sources
The City of San Diego strictly regulates short-term rentals through a tiered licensing system effective May 2023. Hosts must obtain a license for one of four tiers, with whole-home rentals (Tier 3) subject to a city-wide cap and lottery system.
Score: 100 (lenient)
To host an Airbnb in San Diego, you must first determine which 'Tier' your rental falls into. If you only rent your home occasionally (less than 20 days a year), you need a Tier 1 license. If you live in your home and rent out a room, you need Tier 2. If you are renting out your entire home, you'll need Tier 3 or 4, but be aware that these licenses are limited by a cap and you can only hold one license at a time. All hosts must pay a 10.5% room tax and display their license number on all listings.
Permit Required
Yes
Night Limit
20/year
Primary Residence
Required
Total Tax Rate
0.1%
Permit Fee
$25
Processing Time
Instant to 30 days depending on tier lottery
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 Details may be outdated or incomplete.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.
Researched and verified by Learn STR by GoStudioM