Pinole, California Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes, short-term rentals are permitted in the unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County, which includes the City of Pinole. The county has established specific regulations and a permitting process that applies to all STRs operated within its jurisdiction. However, the City of Pinole's official Building and Planning department pages do not provide city-specific STR information. Therefore, this guide relies on the regulations set by Contra Costa County, which govern all unincorporated areas like Pinole. It is the investor's responsibility to verify this with the City of Pinole directly.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Pinole

Operating an STR in Pinole (unincorporated Contra Costa County) requires a clear, step-by-step process:

Verify Zoning Eligibility:
- Your property must be located in an unincorporated area of Contra Costa County. Contact the Planning Department at 925-655-2700 to confirm your property's zoning.
- The property must be in a district allowing residential use, such as a single-family, planned unit, multi-family residential, or agricultural district (not under a Williamson Act contract).
Understand the STR Type and Limitations:
- You must choose between a Hosted STR (you are present on the property) or a Non-Hosted STR (you are absent).
- Hosted STRs can be rented for a maximum of 180 days per calendar year.
- Non-Hosted STRs can be rented for a maximum of 90 days per calendar year.
Apply for a Short-Term Rental Permit:
- This is a ministerial permit, meaning it will be approved if all requirements are met. The application is submitted to the Contra Costa County Planning Department.
- Required Documents:
  - Short-Term Rental Checklist and Application (PDF)
- Submission: Email the completed application to [email protected].
Pay Permit Fees:
- A planner will be assigned to your application and will send you instructions for paying the required permit fees.
Obtain a Business License and TOT Certificate (City Requirement):
- Prior to renting or offering to rent your STR, you must obtain a valid Business License from the City of Pinole and a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate from the Contra Costa County Tax Collector's Office.
- Contact the City of Pinole for Business License information using their City and Agency Contacts page or by calling their main number, (510) 742-3300.
Post-Per Issuance Process:
- Upon approval of the STR permit, the county will notify all property owners within 300 feet of your property. They will be given the contact information for you (the responsible party) and the County's Code Enforcement Division.
- Your STR permit is valid for one year. You must file a renewal application at least 30 days before it expires.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

All STRs in Pinole (under county jurisdiction) must comply with the following regulations:

Key Operational Limits

Maximum Rental Days: Hosted (180 days/yr), Non-Hosted (90 days/yr).
One STR Per Lot: Only one short-term rental may be operated on any single lot.
No STRs in Larger Buildings: A residential unit in a building with five or more dwelling units cannot be operated as an STR.
Occupancy Limit: Overnight guest occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom, plus two additional persons. Children under 12 do not count towards the total.

Parking Requirements

STRs with three or fewer bedrooms must provide at least one off-street parking space for guests.
STRs with four or more bedrooms must provide at least two off-street parking spaces for guests.

Strict Prohibitions

Events Prohibited: Special events (e.g., conferences, weddings) are not allowed at any STR.
No ADUs: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) may not be operated as short-term rentals.
No Signage: No signage advertising the STR is allowed.
Traffic & Noise: Excessive traffic or noise inconsistent with residential use is prohibited.
Gathering Limit: No more than 20 people shall gather at a property at any time.
Obstruction: Obstruction of any road is prohibited.

Contact Information

Links to Source Pages

Contra Costa County Official STR Regulations: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/10303/Short-Term-Rentals
Contra Costa County STR Ordinance (Municipal Code): Short-Term Rental Ordinance
STR Permit Application (PDF): Complete the Short-Term Rental Checklist and Application
City & Agency Contacts (for Business License & TOT): https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/9984/City-and-Agency-Contacts
City of Pinole Business Licensing: https://www.pinole.gov/doing-business/business-licenses-permits-inspections/
City of Pinole eTRAKiT Permit Portal: https://pino-trk.aspgov.com/eTRAKiT/

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