Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA?

YES, short-term rentals ARE explicitly allowed in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA, provided operators obtain the proper permits and comply with all regulations. Cardiff-by-the-Sea operates as a community within the City of Encinitas, and all STR operations are governed by Encinitas Municipal Code Chapter 9.38. The City has maintained a permit system for short-term rentals since 2006, demonstrating a long-standing regulatory framework that balances investment opportunities with community protection.

Key Allowances:

• Single-family homes and duplexes in residential zones are permitted for STR use
• Rentals for 30 consecutive days or less require a permit
• The City had 478 permitted STRs as of April 2022, indicating an active and regulated market

Key Restrictions:

• Multi-family dwellings may NOT be rented short-term
• STRs are prohibited within Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
• Existing legally-operating ADU STRs may continue only if permits remain active

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Step 1: Property Qualification and Preparation

Before applying for permits, ensure your property meets the following criteria:

• Property Type: Single-family home or duplex in residential zoning
• Zoning Compliance: Verify zoning allows STR use through the Customer Self Service portal
• Parking: Property must provide on-site parking consistent with EMC 30.54 standards (minimum 9-ft wide × 18-ft deep spaces)
• Building Compliance: All existing improvements must be properly permitted

Step 2: Business Registration and Permit Applications

Submit both applications simultaneously through the Customer Self Service (CSS) Portal:

1. Business Registration (required under EMC Section 9.38.040.A)
2. Short-Term Rental Permit application

Timeline Expectations:

• CSS account registration approval: 24 business hours
• Application review cycle: Approximately 2 weeks
• Total process timeline: 4-6 weeks from application to permit issuance

Step 3: Documentation Preparation and Submission

Prepare comprehensive documentation package including all required forms, plans, and proof documents. The application module will guide you through six detailed steps, with document uploads occurring in step five.

Step 4: Inspection and Compliance Verification

Code Enforcement will contact you to schedule a site inspection covering both interior and exterior compliance with safety standards, occupancy requirements, and property conditions.

Step 5: Good Neighbor Outreach

After permit approval but before issuance, complete the required 300-foot radius good neighbor mailing using City-provided templates and certification forms.

Step 6: Permit Activation and Operations

Upon permit issuance, display the permit document both interior and exterior to the rental unit, and begin legal STR operations while maintaining ongoing compliance.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Permits and Licenses

1. Short-Term Rental Permit

• Application Fee: $425 (new and renewal)
• Validity: One year from issuance
• Processing: Online through CSS Portal only

2. Business Registration

• Requirement: Mandatory under EMC Section 9.38.040.A
• Submission: Concurrent with STR permit application
• Verification: City staff confirms submission during permit review

3. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration

• Tax Rate: 10% of rental charges
• Reporting: Quarterly submissions required
• Compliance: Must be current for permit approval

Required Documentation Package

1. Application Forms

• CSS application module serves as the primary application form for new permits
• PDF application form required for renewals with signatures

2. Proof of Ownership Documentation

• Current Grant Deed, assessor record, or similar ownership proof
• Letter of authorization from property owner if applicant is not the owner

3. Site Plan Requirements

• Complete lot layout showing address, APN, zoning
• Property boundaries and adjacent road identification
• Location and dimensions of all on-site parking spaces
• Clearly labeled dwelling unit or portion proposed for STR use

4. Floor Plan Specifications

• Interior layout showing address, APN, and room functions
• Bedroom/bathroom/kitchen/closet/door labeling
• Location of all safety equipment:
  • Fire extinguishers (2-A:10-B:C rating; one per kitchen)
  • Smoke alarms (one per bedroom, hallway, and floor)
  • Carbon monoxide alarms (one per floor and hallway near bedrooms)

5. Insurance Requirements

• Liability insurance minimum $1,000,000
• Must be maintained throughout permit period
• General policy acceptable if property is covered

6. Operational Documentation

• Rental application forms and guest rules
• Occupancy, parking, and trash disposal requirements
• Guest contracts and terms

7. Advertisement Materials

• Draft advertisements for new applications
• All current advertisements for renewals
• Must include City permit number, bedroom count, maximum occupancy, parking allowances

8. ADA Compliance Form (if applicable)

• Required for 4-5 bedroom properties when owner-occupied
• City-provided compliance documentation

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Municipal Code Requirements (Encinitas Municipal Code Chapter 9.38)

Operational Standards:

• Maximum Occupancy: No more than 2 beds per bedroom, with maximum 3 beds allowed in one bedroom
• Check-in Requirements: Non-hosted units must provide check-in services; hosted units may allow self check-in
• Minimum Stay: Non-hosted units require 3-night minimum; hosted units have no minimum stay requirement
• 24/7 Contact: Must provide emergency contact person available 24/7

Safety and Compliance Standards:

• Bedroom Requirements: Minimum 7-foot width, 7-foot 6-inch ceiling height
• Egress Windows: Minimum 5.7 sq. ft., 20-inches wide, 24-inches high, max 44-inches height
• Closet Space: Minimum 2-ft depth, 10 sq. ft. floor area, permanent structure connection
• Fire Safety: Extinguisher rating 2A:10B:C, annual service requirements
• Pool/Spa Safety: Two of seven CBC Section 3109 safety measures required if applicable

Prohibited Items:

• Wood-burning fire pits
• Charcoal-burning barbecue grills
• Barbecue grills within 5 feet of structures or flammable materials
• Barbecue grills under trees, umbrellas, decks, or appurtenant structures

Community Protection Measures:

• Good Neighbor Policy: Mandatory 300-foot radius notification after permit approval
• Response Requirements: Operators must respond to complaints within one hour
• Parking Standards: Designated spaces must be 9-ft wide × 18-ft deep, unobstructed
• Noise and Nuisance: Prohibited under EMC Section 9.38.050(D)

Proposed Regulatory Updates (Ordinance No. 2022-16)

The City has submitted amendments to the California Coastal Commission for consideration:

Concentration Controls:

• Citywide Cap: Reduced from 3% to 2.5% of total housing units
• Community Caps: Reduced from 5% to 4% for Leucadia, Old Encinitas, and Cardiff-by-the-Sea
• Geographic Restrictions: 200-foot radius limitations for all non-hosted units
• Seabluffe Integration: Non-hosted units count toward total percentage cap in Leucadia

Operational Changes:

• Modified renewal timelines and requirements
• Enhanced compliance monitoring
• Updated enforcement procedures

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Requirements

• Rate: 10% of all rental charges
• Reporting Frequency: Quarterly submissions required
• Zero-Reporting: Required even when no rentals occur
• Remittance: Due according to Finance Department schedule
• Penalties: Apply for late or missing payments

State-Level Regulations (California)

While Cardiff-by-the-Sea follows Encinitas municipal regulations, California state law provides additional framework:

Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act: Limits local rent control on single-family homes and condos AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act): Does not apply to STRs under 30 days Coastal Commission Oversight: Coastal development permits may be required for properties in coastal zones Tax Requirements: State and county TOT requirements in addition to city levies

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contacts

Development Services Department (Permits)

• Email: permits@encinitasca.gov
• Phone: (760) 633-2708
• Purpose: STR permit applications, renewals, and general permit questions
• Hours: Mon-Thu: 7:30AM-5:30PM; Fri: 7:30AM-4:30PM (alternating Fridays closed)

Ordinance Questions and Planning

• Contact: Charlotte Brenner, Associate Planner
• Email: cbrenner@encinitasca.gov
• Phone: (760) 633-2784
• Purpose: STR ordinance updates, policy questions, regulatory interpretations

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)

• Email: cityhallcashier@encinitasca.gov
• Phone: (760) 633-2654
• Purpose: TOT reporting, payment questions, tax compliance
• Location: City Hall cashier during normal office hours

Emergency and Enforcement Contacts

24/7 STR Hotline

• Phone: (760) 249-7767
• Purpose: Report STR-related issues, complaints, emergencies
• Availability: 24 hours, 7 days per week

Code Enforcement Division

• Online Form: Available through City website complaint system
• Purpose: Report violations during regular City Hall hours (Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-4:00 PM)
• After Hours: Contact Sheriff's Department non-emergency line

Sheriff's Department Non-Emergency

• Phone: (858) 565-5200
• Purpose: Issues occurring during non-City Hall hours (4:00 PM-8:00 AM)
• Emergency: Always call 9-1-1 for immediate emergencies

Additional Resources

Customer Self Service (CSS) Portal

• Website: portal.encinitasca.gov/CustomerSelfService#/home
• Purpose: Online permit applications, renewals, document submissions
• Registration: Required for all permit applications

Short-Term Rental Viewer

• Website: encinitas.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3e15c9c7ce744684ac80442e4dedae24
• Purpose: View all permitted STRs citywide, verify permit status
• Updates: Bi-weekly basis

Finance Department - TOT Information

• Website: encinitasca.gov/government/departments/finance/transient-occupancy-tax
• Purpose: TOT requirements, forms, payment schedules

Source Links

Official City of Encinitas STR Information:

• www.encinitasca.gov/i-want-to/inquire-about/short-term-rental
• www.encinitasca.gov/i-want-to/inquire-about/short-term-rentals

Customer Self Service Portal:

• portal.encinitasca.gov/CustomerSelfService#/home

Short-Term Rental Viewer:

• encinitas.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3e15c9c7ce744684ac80442e4dedae24

Transient Occupancy Tax Information:

• www.encinitasca.gov/government/departments/finance/transient-occupancy-tax

Code Enforcement Reporting:

• www.encinitasca.gov/government/departments/development-services/code-enforcement/filing-a-complaint/citizen-complaint-form

Municipal Code Chapter 9.38:

• www.qcode.us/codes/encinitas/view.php?topic=9-9_38&frames=on

Local Vacation Rental Company Reference:

• www.cardiffvacations.com/news/licensed-unlicensed-vacation-rentals/

This comprehensive guide provides all necessary information for legally operating a short-term rental in Cardiff-by-the-Sea while maintaining full compliance with City of Encinitas regulations and California state law. Regular monitoring of City communications and ordinance updates is essential for ongoing compliance and successful STR operations.