Overview: STR Status in Marina, California

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Marina, California but with significant restrictions. Marina permits STRs only in primary residences that are owner-occupied duplexes or single-family dwellings. The city implemented a comprehensive STR ordinance (effective December 5, 2019) that establishes a permitting system, tax requirements, and operational standards to balance economic opportunities with neighborhood preservation.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Marina

Starting an STR business in Marina requires completing three mandatory steps in sequence:

Step 1: Secure Your Property Qualification

• Verify your property qualifies as a primary residence (your permanent residence documented by two forms of identification)
• Confirm the property is either a duplex or single-family dwelling (any zoning district is acceptable)
• Note that ADUs and JADUs are prohibited from STR use
• Accept that you can only operate one STR since you can have only one primary residence

Step 2: Obtain Your STR Permit

• Apply through the Online Permit Portal
• Submit required documentation proving primary residence status
• Pay the $160 application fee
• Note permits expire June 30th annually regardless of issuance date

Step 3: Complete Business Licensing and Tax Setup

• Obtain a business license from HdL Companies
• Register for monthly Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) remittance
• Set up systems for collecting and remitting the 14% TOT

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Short-Term Rental Permit

Required Information:

• Property owner's name, address, assessor's parcel number (APN), and telephone number
• Anticipated daily rental charge
• Written acknowledgment of TOT payment responsibility
• Proof of primary residence status (two forms of identification)
• Valid business license number (must be included in all STR solicitations)

Fees:

• Application fee: $160
• Annual renewal fee: $115

Validity:

• Expires June 30th of each calendar year
• Must be renewed annually to continue operation
• Does not run with the land (transfers only under specific ownership changes)

Business License

• Required after STR permit approval
• Obtain through HdL Companies
• Must be maintained throughout STR operation
• Business license number required in all STR advertising

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration

• 14% tax rate on all STR bookings
• Collected from guests and remitted monthly to the city
• Due at the end of every month for active STRs
• Both STR owners and hosting platforms share TOT collection/remittance responsibility

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Property Eligibility and Use Restrictions

• Eligible Properties: Owner-occupied duplexes and single-family dwellings
• Ineligible Properties: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Junior ADUs (JADUs), long-term rental units
• Zoning: No restrictions by zone classification
• Ownership: Must be primary residence with documented owner occupancy

Operational Standards

Maximum Occupancy Limits: | Bedrooms | Maximum Guests | |----------|---------------| | 0 (studio) | 2 | | 1 | 4 | | 2 | 6 | | 3 | 8 | | 4 | 10 | | 5+ | 12 |

Time Limitations:

• Rentals limited to 29 consecutive days or less
• STR permits valid for one year maximum
• Annual permit expiration: June 30th

Good Neighbor Requirements:

• Must display good neighbor brochure on premises
• Subject to noise regulations per Marina Municipal Code Chapter 9.24
• Compliance with all applicable occupancy and use laws required

Permit Management

• Change in Ownership: Permits invalidated by property sale (except spouse/domestic partner additions to title or trust conversions under same ownership)
• Reapplication: 40-day deadline after ownership change to reapply
• Revocation: City may revoke permits for code violations
• Appeals: Revocation decisions may be appealed per Section 17.58.050 (filing fee required)

Hosting Platform Requirements

• Platforms must collect and remit TOT as agents of owners
• Required to disclose listing details to city regularly
• Cannot process bookings for unlisted properties
• Must verify property appears on city registry before accepting booking fees

Contact Information

City of Marina - Community Development Department

Address: 211 Hillcrest Avenue, Marina, CA 93933
Phone: 831-884-1278
Email: marina@cityofmarina.org
Website: cityofmarina.org
Responsibilities: STR permits, zoning compliance, ordinance enforcement

HdL Companies (Business Licensing & TOT Collection)

Phone: (831) 233-6558
Email: marina@hdlgov.com
Website: marina.hdlgov.com
Responsibilities: Business licenses, TOT collection/remittance, monthly reporting

Online Services

STR Permit Application Portal: Online Permit Portal
TOT Payment Portal: HdL TOT Portal

Links to Source Pages

Official City Resources

• City of Marina Short-Term Rentals Page
• Marina Municipal Code Section 17.42.170 - Short-Term Rentals
• Marina Municipal Code Chapter 3.12 - Transient Occupancy Tax
• Marina Municipal Code Section 17.04.260 - Duplex Definition
• Marina Municipal Code Section 17.04.280 - Dwelling, One-Family

Application and Payment Portals

• Online Permit Portal - STR Applications
• HdL Business License Portal
• HdL TOT Payment Portal

Supporting Documentation

• Short-Term Rental Permit Standards and Agreement

This guide provides comprehensive coverage of Marina's STR regulatory framework. Investors should note that Marina's regulations prioritize owner-occupied primary residences and impose strict limits on property types and occupancy levels to maintain residential neighborhood character.