Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Mill Valley, CA?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Mill Valley, California. Mill Valley permits Short-Term Rentals (STRs) in all residential units except deed-restricted Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs). The city has established a comprehensive Short-Term Rental Program that provides standards for renting residential properties on a short-term basis while protecting the city's long-term housing stock and ensuring STRs do not become a community nuisance.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Mill Valley

To legally operate a short-term rental in Mill Valley, you must:

1. Complete the Registration Process: Submit the required Short-Term Rental Registration Form to the Planning Department with a $50 registration fee
2. Obtain a Business License: Apply for and receive a business license from the Finance Department
3. Meet All Qualifying Conditions: Ensure your property meets all eligibility requirements
4. Establish Ongoing Compliance: Set up systems for tax remittance and guest management

The registration and business license must be renewed annually to maintain legal operation status.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Requirements:

• Short-Term Rental Registration Form - Must be submitted to the Planning Department
• Business License Application - Required from the Finance Department
• Annual Renewal Documentation - Both permits require yearly renewal

Associated Fees:

• STR Registration Fee: $50 (annual)
• Business License Fee: $15 per unit + $4 processing fee (must be paid online through OpenGov)
• Transient Occupancy Tax: Monthly remittances required through OpenGov.com

Qualifying Conditions:

1. Rental space must be legally permitted
2. Property must be either:
   • Room(s) within a single-family home
   • Entire single-family home
   • Multi-family unit
3. Cannot be a deed-restricted ADU or JADU
4. On lots with a JADU, the primary unit cannot be rented concurrently with the JADU due to required owner occupancy

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Mill Valley City Regulations:

Definition: A Short-Term Rental is a dwelling leased or rented in full or part for overnight lodging for less than thirty (30) consecutive days.

Operational Requirements:

• Provide guests with a statement of conditions including:
  • Maximum occupancy limits
  • Available parking descriptions
  • 24-hour emergency contact information
  • Trash disposal instructions
  • Mill Valley Noise Ordinance requirements
  • Good Neighbor conduct expectations (noise control, considerate parking, proper trash management)

Tax Obligations:

• Monthly Transient Occupancy Tax remittances through OpenGov.com
• Compliance with Section 5.28 of the Mill Valley Municipal Code

Building Standards:

• Must comply with Title 14 of the Mill Valley Municipal Code
• Meet minimum construction, design, and maintenance standards
• Satisfy habitability, health, and safety regulations

Marin County Context:

Mill Valley operates under its own municipal regulations. However, properties in unincorporated areas of Marin County fall under separate county regulations, which include a cap of 1,200 STR licenses county-wide with specific community limits.

California State-Level Regulations:

California state law generally allows short-term rentals but defers to local jurisdictions for specific regulations. Hosts must comply with:

• State tax obligations
• Fair housing laws
• Consumer protection regulations
• Building and safety codes

Contact Information

Mill Valley Planning Department

For STR Permit Questions:

• Email: planning@cityofmillvalley.gov
• Physical Address: Mill Valley City Hall, 26 Corte Madera Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 94941
• Phone: (415) 388-4033
• Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8 AM to 5 PM

Mill Valley Finance Department

For Transient Occupancy Tax Questions:

• Email: tot@cityofmillvalley.gov
• Phone: (415) 384-4802

Online Resources:

• OpenGov Online Portal: millvalleyca.taxandrevenue.opengov.com/ (for TOT filing)
• Municipal Code: qcode.us/codes/millvalley/

Source Links and Additional Resources

Primary Source Documents:

• Mill Valley STR Program: www.cityofmillvalley.gov/2072/Short-Term-Rentals
• STR Registration Form: Available through Mill Valley Planning Department
• Business License Information: www.cityofmillvalley.org/656/Business-Licenses
• Planning Department Fee Schedule: Available through city documents
• Mill Valley Transient Occupancy Tax Form: Available through Finance Department

Related Resources:

• Marin County STR Overview: www.livinginmarin.com/marin-county-rules-for-short-term-rentals/
• Airbnb Legal Information: www.airbnb.com/help/article/1407

This comprehensive regulatory framework ensures that short-term rental operators in Mill Valley can legally and successfully operate their businesses while maintaining community standards and contributing appropriately to local tax revenue. All operators must maintain current permits and comply with ongoing operational requirements to avoid penalties and ensure continued legal operation.