Short-Term Rentals

Permits

As of June 2017, in certain parts of the San Mateo County Unincorporated Coastal Zone property owners may legally rent part or all of their home as a short-term rental (less than 30 days) with a permit and payment of Transient Occupancy Tax.

Short Term Rentals are only allowed within legal residences on parcels that are zoned for Single Family or Multi-Family residential use within the Coastal Zone.

Regulations & Application Forms (County page)

Ordinance Approval Process 2015-2017

The issue of short-term rentals was raised by Midcoast community members in regard to impacts on residential neighborhoods, and the fact that, while not permitted by zoning regulation or ordinance, there were at least 60 such rentals on the Midcoast in 2015. 

 In May 2015 the SMC Planning Commission conducted a Study Session on short-term rentals. County Counsel made a similar presentation at MCC in Aug 2015.  See MCC minutes for  8/26/15 and 7/8/2015 to follow this initial discussion.

At March 2016 public workshop the County received feedback on a first draft ordinance (see 3/8/16 minutes).  Short-term rentals would be an allowed use in single- and multi-family residential zones in the unincorporated San Mateo County Coastal Zone.  The use would be subject to a permit, payment of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and other requirements. The TOT is proposed to go towards Midcoast parks.

June 2016: Revised draft ordinance released for 6-week public comment period. Revisions included a limit of 180 nights per year unless the owner is present.
MCC comments 7/27/16  --  17 individual comments
Earlier public comments in meeting minutes:  7/13/16, 3/8/16, 8/26/15, 7/8/15. 

Dec 2016: CEQA document (CA Environmental Quality Act) released for public review & comment by Jan 20, 2017.

Mar 2017: Planning Commission approved the draft ordinance and directed staff to consider adding additional public comments submitted during the meeting (staff report).

May 2017: Planning Commission approved revised draft ordinance, incorporating changes suggested by CCC staff and members of the public. (staff report and draft ordinance)

June 2017: Board of Supervisors adopted the ordinance and directed staff to submit the amended chapters of the Zoning Regs to the Coastal Commission for certification. (staff report)

Dec 2017: CA Coastal Commission certified the LCP minor amendment, allowing the ordinance to go into effect immediately.