STR Defined
Generally, the North County cities of San Diego define a short term rental as the occupancy of a dwelling unit or part thereof for less than one month (30 days).
- Primary website for Oceanside, CA STR Regulations
- Primary website for Carlsbad, CA STR Regulations
- Primary website for Encinitas, CA STR Regulations
Licensing Requirements & Fees
Licensing requirements and associated fees vary by city within North County (San Diego), California.
Oceanside
- The STR permit fee is $250 and must be renewed annually. There is also an initial property inspection fee of $119. Fees are non-refundable.
- All short-term (Airbnb) rental properties are required to hold a valid Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate.
- Hosted properties must submit a signed Affidavit.
- Owner is the person(s) or entity(ies) that hold(s) legal and/or equitable title to the subject short-term rental.
Carlsbad
- There is no cost to obtain or renew a permit, however a business license is required for each short-term (Airbnb) vacation rental.
- Apply for a permit in person at the City of Carlsbad Finance Department at 1635 Faraday Ave. in Carlsbad or on the city website, www.carlsbadca.gov/visitors/vacationrental.
- The City of Carlsbad requires all businesses within the limits of the city to have a valid license. Short-term (Airbnb) vacation rental operators are required to obtain a business license, and a short-term vacation rental permit, prior to advertising their property. These must be renewed annually.
- All documents required to obtain a Short-Term (Airbnb) Vacation Rental License / Permit are listed below:
- Business License (download application)
- Permit (permit)
- Impact Response Plan (Impact Response Plan)
- Declaration Notification (Declaration Notice)
- The Business License Application may be completed online (Apply on-line) Once submitted, an email confirmation with a Business License reference number, will be sent. The other required documents mentioned above may be submitted via email, mail or delivered in person to 1635 Faraday Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008.
