Carlsbad, California

Short-Term Rental Regulations — San Diego County

Conditional

STR Status

Permit: RequiredFee: $225Business License Required
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/7/2026
$225License Cost

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$225
Renewalannual
Business License RequiredYes
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Parking RequiredYes

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOT10% TOT plus 2% CTBID

Official Sources

Data confidence: 97%Last updated: June 7, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Carlsbad, California

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Carlsbad, California are allowed under certain conditions. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: $225). A lodging/occupancy tax of 10% TOT plus 2% CTBI applies.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Carlsbad, California?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed under certain conditions in Carlsbad, California.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Carlsbad?

A short-term rental permit is required, a business license is also required, the fee is $225.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Carlsbad?

Short-term rentals in Carlsbad are subject to a lodging/occupancy tax of 10% TOT plus 2% CTBI.

Where do these Carlsbad short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Carlsbad's official short-term rental ordinance and updated when the rules change.

Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Carlsbad, San Diego County, or California authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.