Redwood City, California

Short-Term Rental Regulations — San Mateo County

Conditional

STR Status

Permit: RequiredFee: $420Tax: 12%
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/8/2026
$420License Cost
120Annual Cap
12%Tax Rate

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$420
Renewalannual
Business License RequiredNot specified
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredYes
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Max Nights Per Year120
Parking RequiredYes

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOT12%

Zoning Restrictions

  • citywide all residential units; ADUs permitted after January 2020 not allowed

Official Sources

redwoodcity.org/departments/community-development-department/policy-initiatives/short-term-rentals
Data confidence: 95%Last updated: June 8, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Redwood City, California

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Redwood City, California are allowed under certain conditions. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: $420). The home must be the host's primary residence. A lodging/occupancy tax of 12% applies.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Redwood City, California?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed under certain conditions in Redwood City, California. The home must be the host's primary residence.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Redwood City?

A short-term rental permit is required, the fee is $420.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Redwood City?

Short-term rentals in Redwood City are subject to a lodging/occupancy tax of 12%.

Are there stay limits for short-term rentals in Redwood City?

Yes — Redwood City sets a cap of 120 rental nights per year.

Where do these Redwood City short-term rental rules come from?

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