Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Solana Beach?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Solana Beach, California. The city permits the rental of residential properties for stays of seven to 30 consecutive days, subject to obtaining a Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) permit and complying with all applicable regulations. However, rentals for fewer than seven consecutive days are strictly prohibited throughout all residential zoning districts.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Solana Beach

Step 1: Obtain Required Permits and Licenses

• Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) Permit: Required annually for all properties rented for 7-30 consecutive days
• Business Certificate: Required for professional STVR managers/agents (serves as both permit and business certificate)
• Transient Occupancy Tax Registration: Required to collect and remit TOT

Step 2: Submit Application and Pay Fees

Submit complete application to Finance Department with applicable fees:

• New Permit: $113 (includes $4 SB 1186 fee)
• Renewal: $66 (due by December 31st)
• Late Fees:
  • 31-90 days late: $109 plus renewal fee
  • 91+ days late: Per SBMC 4.02.230

Step 3: Comply with Posting Requirements

• Display STVR permit card at front entry door or front-facing window
• Post 24/7 emergency contact phone number on exterior
• Provide complaint contact information to adjacent property owners

Step 4: Establish 24/7 Management Protocol

• Maintain 24/7 emergency contact available to respond within 1 hour
• Implement noise and disturbance monitoring procedures
• Establish complaint response protocols (24-hour response requirement)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Documents

• Completed STVR Application Form with property owner/agent information
• Property ownership verification
• Proof of residence (if applicable)
• HOA compliance documentation (if property in HOA)
• 24/7 emergency contact information

Permits and Licenses

1. STVR Permit (Annual, expires December 31st)
2. Business Certificate (for professional managers)
3. Transient Occupancy Tax Registration

Performance Standards and Guidelines

• Minimum Stay: 7 consecutive days (no exceptions)
• Maximum Stay: 30 consecutive days without permit requirement
• Noise and Disturbance Compliance: Must immediately address any disturbances
• Alcohol and Drug Conduct: Prohibited activities must be monitored and addressed
• Overcrowding Compliance: Adhere to occupancy limits
• Inspection Compliance: Subject to city inspection upon request
• Record Keeping: Booking/occupancy records available for city inspection

Specific Regulations

City-Level Regulations (Solana Beach Municipal Code Chapter 4.47)

Rental Duration Restrictions:

• Rentals for 7-30 consecutive days require STVR permit
• Rentals for fewer than 7 consecutive days are prohibited
• Rentals for more than 30 consecutive days do not require STVR permit

Prohibited Property Types:

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - rentals less than 30 days not permitted
• Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) - rentals less than 30 days not permitted
• Accessory Living Units (ALUs) - rentals less than 30 days not permitted

Operational Requirements:

• Annual permit renewal required (due by January 31st)
• Permit card must be displayed prominently
• 24/7 complaint phone number must be posted externally
• Immediate response to disturbances required
• Adjacent property owner notification of contact information required

Violation Penalties:

• First violation within 12 months: $500
• Second violation within 12 months: $1,000
• Third violation within 12 months: Permit revocation for one year

Appeal Process:

• Hearings and appeals follow Chapter 4.04 SBMC procedures

County-Level Regulations

Note: No Solana Beach-specific county regulations identified in provided content. State-level regulations apply.

State-Level Regulations (California)

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT):

• 13% tax rate on gross rental income
• Monthly filing and payment required
• Due by last day of month following rental month
• Even zero-balance months must be filed
• Failure to respond to two or more complaints constitutes violation

Business Certificate Requirements:

• Professional managers must maintain valid business certificate
• Application fee matches business certificate fee

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Code Compliance Department (Regulatory Questions)

Phone: (858) 720-2403
Email: CodeCompliance@cosb.org
Website: Code Enforcement

Finance Department (Billing and TOT Questions)

Phone: (858) 720-2460
Email: Finance@cosb.org
Address: City of Solana Beach Finance Department
635 S. Highway 101
Solana Beach, CA 92075

City Hall

Phone: (858) 720-2400
Address: 635 S. Highway 101
Solana Beach, CA 92075
Hours:

• Monday - Thursday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
• Every Other Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Source Links

1. City of Solana Beach STVR & TOT Information Portal
2. Solana Beach Municipal Code Chapter 4.47 - STVR Permit
3. STVR Application Form and Disclosures (PDF)
4. Resident Access Portal - Online Filing
5. TOT Return Form (PDF)
6. STVR Regulations Packet (PDF)

Important Notes for Investors:

• Application fees are non-refundable
• All unpaid fines/fees must be paid before permit renewal
• Properties within HOAs must comply with additional HOA restrictions
• The city has issued approximately 250-350 STVR permits annually (about 5% of local housing stock)
• Regulations may be updated; stay informed through city communications
• Consider working with professional management companies that maintain business certificates
• Maintain detailed booking records for tax and compliance purposes