San Luis Obispo, California

Short-Term Rental Regulations — San Luis Obispo County

Conditional

STR Status

Permit: RequiredOwner Occupancy RequiredBusiness License Required
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/8/2026
50 ftBuffer Distance

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
Business License RequiredYes
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredYes
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Density / Distance Cap50 ft
Parking RequiredYes

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOT10% TOT plus 2% TBID plus 1% TMD

Official Sources

slocity.org/living/permits/homeowner-permits
Data confidence: 93%Last updated: June 8, 2026

Short-term rental rules in San Luis Obispo, California

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in San Luis Obispo, California are allowed under certain conditions. Operators must obtain a permit. The property must be owner-occupied. A lodging/occupancy tax of 10% TOT plus 2% TBID applies.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in San Luis Obispo, California?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed under certain conditions in San Luis Obispo, California. The property must be owner-occupied.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in San Luis Obispo?

A short-term rental permit is required, a business license is also required.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in San Luis Obispo?

Short-term rentals in San Luis Obispo are subject to a lodging/occupancy tax of 10% TOT plus 2% TBID.

Where do these San Luis Obispo short-term rental rules come from?

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