The term "short term rentals" (STRs) pertains to the rental of existing residential units to occupants on a short-term basis, generally less than 30 days.

Short-Term Rentals provide many benefits to the City, including increased economic activity from tourism, increased revenue from occupancy taxes, and helping residents generate additional income to keep up with the cost of living. However, without regulation, STRs can also cause adverse impacts, including increased noise and traffic in neighborhoods and may reduce available housing stock for residents. The City’s Short-Term Rental Ordinance provides balance by placing sensible limits on how Short-Term Rentals are operated within the City.

Requirements to Operate a Short-Term Rental in Pacifica

STR hosts (or operators) located within the City of Pacifica are required to obtain a STR permit, a City of Pacifica Business License, and sign a STR Safety Declaration before offering STR accommodations. Additionally, once STR accommodations are provided, the host/operator is required to collect and remit Transient Occupancy Taxes as required by City of Pacifica Municipal Code (PMC). You can apply for the required Short-Term Rental Permit and required Business License online at the City of Pacifica HdL STR Permit Portal.

Here's more information:

• Short Term Rental Permits -An STR Permit is required, valid for up to one year, and must be renewed between October 1 and October 31, annually, The permit requires STR operators to meet certain health and safety requirements such as maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and informing all short-term renters of City ordinances such as noise restrictions and social host responsibilities. The permit fee is $1,704 annually, due on the same day as the business license application or renewal. An addition inspection fee of $263 STR inspection fee applies for STRs located outside of the Coastal Zone. For more information, please go to the City of Pacifica HdL STR Permit Portal.
• Business License - Any person who conducts business transactions or operations within the City must have a license from the City and must comply with any and all applicable local laws (PMC Section 3-1.103). STRs are regulated as a Classification "E" business that encompass motels and property management (PMS Section 3-1.206) The rate for this license for business reporting, pursuant to PMC Sec. 3-1.213 (e) is:
  • Less than $25,000 Dollars of annual gross receipts shall pay a minimum of $40.00 Dollars; 
  • Businesses reporting more than $25,000 Dollars of annual gross receipts shall pay the minimum tax of $40.00 Dollars plus 0.63 cents per $1,000 Dollars of receipts over $25,000 Dollars.
  • Information on Business License application/payment requirements
• Transient Occupancy Taxes (TOT) Collection - Section 3-7.03 of the Pacifica Municipal Code imposes a tax on the use of any structure in the City for short-term dwelling, lodging, or sleeping purposes in the amount of 15% percent of the rent charged by the operator. Some online hosting platforms collect and remit TOT to the City on the STR operator's behalf. If you are utilizing an online hosting platform check with the platform to see if this service is offered. Otherwise you can review information on TOT submissions/payments.

Ordinance Text

It is important for hosts/operators to adhere to the requirements for operating an STR. Owners are also responsible for ensuring their renters and their guests comply with this Ordinance.

• Ordinance NO. 901 - C.S. passed and adopted on August 11, 2025 - currently effective outside of the costal zones.
• Ordinance NO. 888 - C.S. passed and adopted February 27, 2023- effective only within costal zones 

How to Report Short-Term Vacation Rental Nuisances

 Most complaints should be directed to the City's Code Enforcement Division 

STR nuisance activities, such as the following, should be reported to the Pacifica Police Department and are subject to citation and fines.

• Loud after-hours parties or noise
• Disruptive behavior
• Illegal parking
• Any activity that disrupts the neighborhood peace

Apply for the required Short-Term Rental Permit and required Business License online at the City of Pacifica HdL STR Permit Portal. 

How to View Permitted Short-Term Rentals

The City maintains a public list of permitted Short-Term Rentals (STRs), which is updated periodically to reflect current permit status, including after the annual renewal cycle is completed and permits are finalized. A list of issued STR permits is available through HdL’s public permit search tools:

• Visit: Search STR Permits for Non-Coastal Area
• Click “Search” (without entering additional criteria) to view a list of all currently permitted STRs in Non-Coastal Zone

• Visit: Search STR Permits for Coastal Area
• Click “Search” (without entering additional criteria) to view a list of all currently permitted STRs in Coastal Zone

For questions or more information, contact the City of Pacifica Finance Department.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader Windows Media Player Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer