San Luis Obispo
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San luis obispo
Market Saturation Index
STR Regulations for San luis obispo
Short-Term Rental Regulations in San Luis Obispo County
Overview of STR Allowance
Short-term rentals are generally allowed in San Luis Obispo County, but with specific regulations that vary by location.
Permit and Licensing Requirements
County-Wide Requirements
- Must obtain a County Business License
- Must collect Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
- Current TOT rate: 9%
- Additional 1% Tourism Marketing District (TMD) assessment
- Some areas have an additional 2% Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) assessment
Application Process
- Contact County Planning and Building Department
- Obtain Land Use Authorization
- Apply for County Business License with Tax Collector
- Current annual license fee: $49 (first year)
Required Documentation
- Grant Deed
- Site Plan
- Floor Plan
- Will Serve Letter from water/sewer supplier
- Coastal Vacation Rental Certification Form
- Notification letters to neighboring properties
City-Specific Regulations
San Luis Obispo City
- Only "homestays" are allowed (owner-occupied rentals)
- Maximum of 4 adult overnight guests
- Must obtain a homestay permit
- Non-owner occupied vacation rentals are prohibited
Grover Beach
- Differentiates between owner-occupied and non-owner occupied STRs
- Separate permit requirements for each type
- Non-owner occupied STRs have a waiting list
Morro Bay
- 175-unit cap on full-home short-term rentals
- Requires business tax certificate
- Must contribute minimum $500 in TOT annually
Pismo Beach
- Currently under a moratorium on new short-term rental licenses
- Only licenses issued before December 5, 2023, are valid
Important Restrictions
- Not allowed in:
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Guesthouses
- Agricultural Worker Housing
- Some areas have proximity restrictions between STRs
- May be subject to HOA or CC&R limitations
Contact Information
- County Planning & Building Department: (805) 781-5600
- County Tax Collector: (805) 781-5831
- Email: [email protected]
Taxation
- Airbnb automatically collects and remits TOT in the county
- Hosts must display their County Business License number on listings
Recommendation
Always verify current regulations with local authorities, as short-term rental rules can change frequently.
Photos of San luis obispo
Overview of San luis obispo
San Luis Obispo, often referred to as "SLO," is a picturesque city located on California's Central Coast, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city had a population of approximately 47,000 as of 2020. Situated at a distance of about 200 miles north of Los Angeles and 240 miles south of San Francisco, San Luis Obispo offers a central point for visitors traveling between these major cities.
San Luis Obispo is known for its charming downtown area, historical landmarks, and vibrant cultural scene. Key attractions include the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa (https://missionsanluisobispo.org/), founded in 1772, which stands as a focal point of the city's rich history. Another significant site is Bubblegum Alley (https://www.slocal.com/things-to-do/regions/san-luis-obispo/bubblegum-alley/), a quirky and colorful display of used bubblegum that has become a popular tourist spot.
The city's natural beauty is showcased in areas such as Bishop Peak (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/bishop-peak-trail), a popular hiking destination that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. San Luis Obispo is also home to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, a renowned public university that contributes to the vibrant and youthful atmosphere of the city.
Given its scenic beauty and array of attractions, San Luis Obispo is an appealing location for short-term rentals. Visitors often seek accommodations that provide proximity to both the downtown area and the various outdoor activities available nearby. The city's temperate climate and laid-back lifestyle make it an attractive year-round destination. The central location also allows for convenient excursions to nearby wine country regions such as Paso Robles (https://www.travelpaso.com/), further enhancing its appeal for short-term visitors.