Executive Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Seaside, CA?

YES - Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Seaside, CA under the City's Short-Term Rental Program, subject to comprehensive licensing requirements and operational limits. The City administers two distinct license categories: Hosted Short-Term Rentals (owner-occupied) and Non-Hosted Short-Term Rentals (entire home rentals). While hosted STRs have no cap, non-hosted STRs are capped at 90 licenses citywide, with a waiting list currently in place due to maximum capacity. All STR operations must comply with Chapter 17.52.251-252 of the Seaside Municipal Code, pay applicable Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) of 12%, and adhere to strict occupancy, parking, and neighborhood compatibility standards.

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How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Seaside

Step 1: Determine License Eligibility

Hosted Short-Term Rental License

• Eligibility: Property owner must occupy the dwelling as their principal residence and be present during all guest occupancy
• Current Status: Actively accepting new applications
• Restrictions: Cannot use affordable housing units or Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Non-Hosted Short-Term Rental License

• Eligibility: Property owner rents entire dwelling unit without occupying it
• Current Status: NOT accepting new applications due to 90-license cap
• Waiting List: Available through application process with $250 non-refundable deposit

Step 2: Complete Application Process

For Hosted STRs:

1. Download and complete the Hosted STR License Application
2. Have Building Inspection Checklist completed by licensed general contractor
3. Email complete application packet to hnoori@ci.seaside.ca.us
4. Include all required residency documentation

For Non-Hosted STRs:

1. Submit Non-Hosted STR License Waiting List Request Form
2. Verify property complies with 55-foot density requirement
3. Ensure property is safe to inhabit (no construction/development properties)
4. Pay $250 non-refundable fee upon approval
5. Wait for notification when license becomes available

Step 3: Property Inspection and Safety Requirements

• Complete property inspection using City's official checklist
• Inspection must be performed by licensed general contractor or certified home inspector
• Verify adequate egress from sleeping quarters and common areas
• Install accessible fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide alarms on each level
• Ensure compliance with building codes and land use requirements

Step 4: License Processing and Fees

• Processing Time: Applications are valid until license issued, not exceeding 45 calendar days
• License Term: 12 calendar months from date of issuance
• Renewal Deadline: June 30th annually

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Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documents and Applications

For All STR License Applications:

1. Completed STR License Application (specific form for hosted vs. non-hosted)
2. Building Inspection Checklist (completed by licensed general contractor)
3. Property Site Plan and Floor Plan (required for non-hosted licenses)
4. Business License Application ($17 fee)
5. Transient Occupancy Tax Registration
6. Owner Affidavit affirming smoke detector and fire extinguisher compliance

Additional Requirements for Non-Hosted Licenses:

• Site Plan: Must label each room, structures, number/square footage of bedrooms, off-street parking spaces
• Floor Plans: Detailed layout showing bedroom configurations
• Property Management Documentation if using management company

Safety and Building Compliance

Mandatory Safety Equipment:

• Smoke detectors on all levels in sleeping quarters and common areas
• Accessible fire extinguishers
• Carbon monoxide alarms on each level
• Adequate egress routes from all sleeping areas

Property Standards:

• Property must comply with all zoning and building codes
• Must be safe and habitable for intended use
• Cannot be under construction or newly constructed
• Must maintain residential character of exterior appearance

Legal and Tax Requirements

Business Operations:

• City business license required at all times
• Transient Occupancy Tax collection and remittance (12% rate)
• Compliance with noise ordinances (quiet hours 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM)
• Good Neighbor Brochure distribution to guests

Required Disclosures in Rental Contracts:

• Owner name, address, phone, email
• Owner representative contact information
• Responsible tenant/guest information
• Maximum occupancy limits
• Parking restrictions
• Noise regulations

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Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Seaside Municipal Code)

License Caps and Density Limits:

• Hosted STRs: No cap or density limits
• Non-Hosted STRs: 90-license cap citywide
• Density Restriction: 55-foot zone of exclusion from existing non-hosted STR parcels
• One-per-parcel limit for non-hosted licenses

Occupancy Limits:

• Base Calculation: Two adults (18+) per bedroom plus one additional adult per site
• Maximum: 9 adults for homes with 4+ bedrooms
• Age Requirement: All limits apply to occupants 18 years or older

Vehicle and Parking Limits:

• Maximum vehicles cannot exceed total number of bedrooms
• All designated on-site parking spaces must be available for guests
• On-site driveways must be accessible for guest use

Operational Requirements:

Local Contact Person:

• Must be available 24/7
• Must respond within 60 minutes to complaints
• Must be able to physically present at property within 60 minutes
• Failure to respond to 2+ complaints within 12 months may result in penalties

Property Maintenance:

• Trash/refuse cannot be stored in public view except in proper containers
• No exterior changes affecting residential character (color, materials, lighting)
• No "vacation rental" signs or advertising mechanisms on property
• No commercial functions or similar events

Noise and Conduct:

• Quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM
• Amplified sound audible beyond property boundaries prohibited
• Guests must comply with all City noise ordinances
• No disorderly or unlawful conduct

Listing and Advertising Requirements:

• STR license number must be displayed prominently in all advertisements
• Maximum occupancy and parking limits must be accurately represented
• License must be displayed prominently within the rental unit

County-Level Regulations

Note: No specific Monterey County STR regulations were identified that apply differently to Seaside properties beyond general county ordinances.

State-Level Regulations (California)

Business and Professions Code Compliance:

• CASp Fee ($4) - California accessibility compliance
• SB 1186 requirements for public accommodation accessibility

Tax Requirements:

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection and remittance
• State tax obligations for short-term rental income

Insurance and Liability:

• Property owners should maintain adequate liability insurance
• Compliance with California landlord-tenant laws for short-term arrangements

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Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary STR Program Contacts

STR Program Manager:

• Name: Haroon Noori
• Phone: (831) 899-6726
• Email: hnoori@ci.seaside.ca.us

STR Program Coordinator:

• Name: Laura Calata
• Phone: (831) 899-6775
• Email: LCalata@ci.seaside.ca.us

STR Program General Inquiries:

• Email: STR@ci.seaside.ca.us
• Phone: (831) 899-6735

Mailing Address

City of Seaside - STR Program
440 Harcourt Avenue
Seaside, CA 93955

General City Contacts

• City Hall Main: (831) 899-6700
• Code Enforcement: (831) 899-6729 or (831) 899-6735
• Police Department (Non-Emergency): (831) 394-6811
• Emergency: 9-1-1

Online Resources

• STR Portal: seasideca.portal.iworq.net/SEASIDECA/entities/1100
• TOT Filing: Available through STR portal or by mail

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Fee Schedule and Financial Obligations

Initial License Fees

• STR License Fee: $250
• Business License Application: $17
• CASp Fee: $4
• Business Operations Tax: $37.50 (for income under $25,000) + $9 per additional $5,000

Non-Hosted Waitlist Fees

• Waitlist Application: $250 (non-refundable, applied to future license fees)

Late Renewal Fees

• Late renewal applications subject to additional fees as set by City Council resolution

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)

• Rate: 12% of gross rental income
• Payment Due: End of following month
• Filing: Monthly online or by mail
• Platform Collection: Airbnb collects and remits TOT automatically

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Important Source Links

1. City of Seaside Short-Term Rental Program: www.ci.seaside.ca.us/662/Short-Term-Rental-Program
2. Seaside Short-Term Rentals Ordinance: ca-seaside.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/13766/Seaside-Short-term-Rentals-Ordinance
3. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Return Form: ca-seaside.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/13768/TOT-Form
4. Hosted STR License Application: www.ci.seaside.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/13764
5. Non-Hosted STR License Waiting List Request Form: form.jotform.com/232318557207052
6. Hosted STR License Renewal Application: form.jotform.com/251227716365155
7. Non-Hosted STR License Renewal Application: form.jotform.com/251227724802150
8. Building Inspection Checklist: ca-seaside.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/13976
9. STR Database/Portal: seasideca.portal.iworq.net/SEASIDECA/entities/1100
10. Airbnb Seaside STR Information: www.airbnb.ca/help/article/3470

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This guide is current as of the information provided and subject to change. Investors should verify all requirements with the City of Seaside STR Program before making investment decisions.