East Palo Alto, California

Short-Term Rental Regulations — San Mateo County

Allowed (Permit Required)

STR Status

Permit: Required
County-level data: No city-specific ordinance found. Showing regulations for San Mateo County which apply to this area.
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/16/2026
180Annual Cap
110 ftBuffer Distance

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
Business License RequiredNot specified
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Max Nights Per Year180
Density / Distance Cap110 ft
Parking RequiredYes

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOTTOT required (rate not specified)

Zoning Restrictions

  • R-1 or R-3 within Coastal Zone; ADUs prohibited

Official Sources

Data confidence: 91%Last updated: June 16, 2026

Short-term rental rules in East Palo Alto, California

East Palo Alto, California has no separate city ordinance, so San Mateo County rules apply — under which short-term rentals are allowed with a permit. Operators must obtain a permit. A lodging/occupancy tax of TOT required (rate n applies.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in East Palo Alto, California?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed with a permit in East Palo Alto, California.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in East Palo Alto?

A short-term rental permit is required.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in East Palo Alto?

Short-term rentals in East Palo Alto are subject to a lodging/occupancy tax of TOT required (rate n.

Are there stay limits for short-term rentals in East Palo Alto?

Yes — East Palo Alto sets a cap of 180 rental nights per year.

Where do these East Palo Alto short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against East Palo Alto'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 East Palo Alto, San Mateo County, or California authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.