Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in San Ramon?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in San Ramon, CA, within residential districts subject to comprehensive regulations. The City of San Ramon permits STR operations through Zoning Ordinance Section D4-27, requiring annual registration and strict compliance with operational standards. Properties with Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are ineligible for STR registration.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in San Ramon

Step 1: Pre-Registration Due Diligence

• Verify Property Eligibility: Confirm your property does not contain ADU/JADU and is not subject to affordable housing restrictions
• Assess Zoning Compliance: Ensure your property is in a residential district that permits STRs
• Review Operational Requirements: Understand hosting requirements (24/7 operator availability) and space limitations

Step 2: Complete Registration Process

1. Submit STR Registration Form: Complete the official City registration form with property details, ownership information, and operational plans
2. Obtain Business License: Apply through the City's online business license system
3. Submit Required Documents: Provide proof of insurance and other supporting materials

Step 3: Operational Setup

• Secure Insurance: Maintain property insurance covering STR operations
• Establish Operator Protocol: Designate 24/7 operator available to respond within 30 minutes
• Implement Safety Measures: Install smoke detectors, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Documents

• Completed STR Registration Form (latest version 07.01.24)
• Proof of Insurance: Property insurance specifically covering STR use
• Business License Application (online submission required)

Permits and Licenses

• Annual STR Registration: Required before operating
• Business License: Separate registration through City's permitting system
• TOT Registration: For collection and remittance of Transient Occupancy Taxes

Operational Guidelines

• Maximum Occupancy: 2 adults per bedroom
• Event Restrictions: No special events (weddings, conferences, parties)
• Structural Requirements: Only habitable dwelling units permitted
• Operational Limits: One rental contract at a time per property

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

San Ramon Municipal Code Requirements

Zoning Compliance (Section D4-27)

• Allowed Districts: All residential districts
• Structure Requirements: Must operate within habitable dwelling units only
• Signage Prohibition: No signage permitted in association with STRs

Operational Standards

• Hosted Rentals: Live-in operators allowed with no annual rental limits
• Un-hosted Rentals: Limited to 12 weeks per calendar year maximum
• Operator Availability: 24/7 telephone and physical response capability within 30 minutes required
• Single Contract Limitation: Only one rental contract may be active at any given time per property

Health and Safety Requirements

• Fire Safety: Functional smoke detectors, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers required
• Building Code Compliance: All modifications must comply with Uniform Building Code
• Property Maintenance: Compliance with noise, trash, and general property maintenance regulations

Parking and Traffic Management

• Onsite Priority: Utilize garage and driveway parking first
• Secondary Parking: Street parking only after onsite options exhausted
• Vehicle Restrictions: No oversized vehicles or parking on landscaped areas permitted

California State Requirements

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): State-authorized local tax on STR stays
• Building Safety Standards: Compliance with state health and safety codes
• Insurance Requirements: Standard property insurance coverage

County-Level Requirements

• Contra Costa County Health Requirements: Standard residential occupancy health codes
• Fire Safety Compliance: County fire marshal requirements for residential structures

Registration and Compliance Process

Initial Registration Steps

1. Complete Registration Form: Provide property details, ownership information, and operational commitments
2. Submit Documentation: Include proof of insurance and property details
3. Business License Application: Submit online through City's permit system
4. Payment Processing: Fees processed upon completion of review

Ongoing Compliance Requirements

• Annual Registration Renewal: STR registration must be renewed yearly
• TOT Collection and Remittance: Collect and remit Transient Occupancy Taxes
• Insurance Maintenance: Maintain continuous STR coverage
• Operator Availability: Ensure 24/7 response capability throughout operations

Enforcement and Penalties

• Non-Compliance Consequences: Registration revocation possible for violations
• Revocation Period: 12-month suspension for serious violations
• Non-Transferable Registration: STR registration cannot be transferred between properties or owners

Contact Information

Primary STR Authority

Planning Services Division

• Phone: (925) 973-2560
• Email: planning@sanramon.ca.gov
• Address: 7000 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon, CA 94583

General City Contact

City of San Ramon

• Phone: (925) 973-2500
• Fax: (925) 866-1436
• Email: info@sanramon.ca.gov

Important Compliance Notes

Prohibited Activities

• Special Events: No weddings, conferences, parties, or similar events
• Alternative Accommodations: No tents, RVs, or camping as STRs
• Commercial Use: STRs cannot serve commercial purposes beyond lodging

Ineligible Properties

• ADU/JADU Properties: Properties containing Accessory Dwelling Units or Junior ADUs
• Affordable Housing: Units subject to affordable housing agreements restricting rental
• Commercial Structures: Non-residential properties

Tax Obligations

• TOT Registration: Mandatory registration for tax collection and remittance
• Annual Payments: Required unless host platforms collect taxes under separate agreements
• Compliance Monitoring: City monitors tax remittance compliance

Source Links

1. City STR Information Page: www.sanramon.ca.gov/our_city/departments_and_divisions/community_development/planning_services/short-_term_rentals
2. Zoning Ordinance Section D4-27: www.sanramon.ca.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_10826046/File/Our%20City/Departments/Community%20Development/Planning/Zoning%20Ordinance%20Section%20D4-27%20-%20Bed%20and%20Breakfast%20Inns%20and%20Short-Term%20Rentals%20(Effective%202020-02-28.pdf
3. STR Registration Form: www.sanramon.ca.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_10826046/File/Our%20City/Departments/Community%20Development/Planning/FORMS%20&%20APPS/Short-Term%20Rental%20Registration%20form%2007.01.24.pdf
4. Business License Application: srch-munis-web.sanramon.ca.gov/EnerGov_Prod/SelfService#/home
5. Airbnb San Ramon Guide: www.airbnb.com/help/article/3839
6. Municipal Code Database: online.encodeplus.com/regs/sanramon-ca/doc-viewer.aspx?secid=5360

This guide is current as of the information provided. Investors should verify current regulations with the City of San Ramon Planning Services Division before making investment decisions.