Pacifica, California

Short-Term Rental Regulations — San Mateo County

Allowed (Permit Required)

STR Status

Permit: RequiredFee: $1,704 annuallyTax: 15%Business License Required
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/8/2026
$1,704 annuallyLicense Cost
15%Tax Rate

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$1,704 annually
Renewalannual
Business License RequiredYes
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Parking RequiredNot specified

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOT15%

Official Sources

cityofpacifica.org/departments/administrative-services/finance/short-term-rental-program
Data confidence: 95%Last updated: June 8, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Pacifica, California

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Pacifica, California are allowed with a permit. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: $1,704 annually). A lodging/occupancy tax of 15% applies.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Pacifica, California?

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

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

A short-term rental permit is required, a business license is also required, the fee is $1,704 annually.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Pacifica?

Short-term rentals in Pacifica are subject to a lodging/occupancy tax of 15%.

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

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