Pacifica, CA
When deciding whether to become an Airbnb Host, it is important for you to understand the laws in your city. We know that our Hosts contribute both economically and culturally to Pacifica, but to keep our community relationships strong, your work cannot end there.
We recommend that you do your own research as this article isn’t fully comprehensive and, as a platform and online marketplace, we do not provide legal or tax advice. Nonetheless, we want to provide resources that may help you better understand the laws and regulations in Pacifica.
This list is not exhaustive, but it may give you a good start in understanding your local laws. If you have questions, you can visit the Pacifica short-term rental page, email pacificaTOT@hdlgov.com, or consult a local lawyer or tax professional.
Airbnb doesn’t update this article in real time and isn’t responsible for the reliability or correctness of the information contained in any links to third party sites. Please check each source and make sure that the information provided hasn’t recently changed.
Registration
On June 11, 2018, Pacifica enacted an ordinance that requires potential Hosts to acquire a business license as well as a short-term rental (STR) permit. To do so, you must:
1. Obtain a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate. At Airbnb, we already collect and remit TOT taxes on behalf of each stay but according to local guidelines, you still need to register with the city. If you have questions about this process, visit the City’s website, email pacificaTOT@hdlgov.com, or call (650) 290-6303.
2. Apply for and obtain a business license in the City. Information about completing this process and the requisite forms can be found here.
3. Apply for and obtain a STR Permit. To acquire the permit, STR operators must 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 link to acquire an STR permit is here.
- For questions about the application process and tax compliance or if you need assistance with any of the steps above, contact pacificaTOT@hdlgov.com
- If you are considering operating a short-term-rental and have questions about the land use and zoning regulations, compliance and permitting, contact Gwen White, Sr. Code Enforcement Officer at gwhite@pacifica.gov.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Information
Other Contracts and rules
It's also important to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo board or co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable.
Our commitment to your community
We are committed to working with local officials to clarify how local rules impact the community. We will continue to advocate for changes that will enable people to rent out their homes.