Apply for a Short-Term Rental (STR) License

Step 1: Prepare your application

Gather, complete, and include these items:

1. Application Form
2. Site Plan
   Show property lines, buildings, driveway, and on-site parking spaces.
   Parking requirements:

• Head-in: 8.5 ft × 18 ft
• Parallel: 8 ft × 20 ft
• Garages/tight areas: 9 ft × 20 ft

     Note, with the exception of first round STR license holders, 
     all STR properties must provide two onsite parking spaces.

3. Water System Documentation

• Private well: Water permit and bacteriological test (within the last 12 months)
• Local water provider: Recent bill or provider confirmation if usage data isn’t available

4. Waste Collection Documentation

• Current bill from a certified waste hauler
• STR property must have its own waste account

5. STR Self-Certification Form
   Includes:

• Building & Safety Inspection
• Fire-Life Safety Inspection
• Defensible Space Inspection

Select N/A for items that don’t apply to your property.

Step 2: Include supporting documents

Depending on your property, include:

If you are applying for a Hosted STR (primary residence):

• Signed 6-month residency declaration (on the application form)
• Copy of homeowner’s tax exemption (shown on your tax bill)
• Two of the following:
  • Driver’s license
  • Motor vehicle registration
  • Voter registration
  • Utility bill

Septic System Documentation (if your property is served by a septic system)

• Inspection report from a licensed professional (within the last 12 months). You must use the form provided by the County.
• Records confirming septic documentation on file with the County

Note, if your property is in Stinson Beach, you can provide your most recent inspection report from the Stinson Beach County Water District. 

Step 3: Submit your application

You can submit your completed application and documents:

1. Online: Use the Planning Portal[External] to submit and pay for a STR application online.

Application Fee

• $600 – Non-Hosted STR (not your primary residence)
• $300 – Hosted STR (your primary residence for at least 6 months)

We do not currently accept online STR License applications unless you have been invited by Planning Division.