The City Hall building will be closed to the general public on Fridays from June 6, 2025 through August 29, 2025. San Rafael Community Centers, Libraries, Al Boro Parking Services, and all Public Safety services will remain open and maintain normal Friday hours.

 

Archives: FAQs

Steering Committee

Steering Committee meetings are scheduled as needed. Contact Manny Albano (manny.albano@cityofsanrafael.org) to be added to the invite list.

What is a Short-Term Rental?

A short-term residential rental is a rental of all or a portion of your home for periods of less than 30 nights.

What properties are eligible to be a Short-Term Rental?

A property must meet the following four criteria to be eligible for short-term rental use: All or a portion of the Residential Unit is offered for Tourist or Transient Use by the Permanent Resident of the Residential Unit the Residential Unit is the Primary Residence of the Permanent Resident the Permanent Resident is a natural … Continued

How can I file a complaint?

To file a complaint regarding a Short-Term Rental in San Rafael: Call our 24/7 Complaint Hotline at: (415) 521-3556 Submit a compliant online: Short-Term Rental Complaint Online Form  For other questions, please  contact Hector Carlos at Hector.Carlos@cityofsanrafael.org or at 415.458.5337.

What properties are ineligible to be used as a Short-Term Rental

The following properties cannot be used as a short-term rental: Income-restricted affordable housing, including Below-Market-Rate (BMR) units and public housing Student housing, dormitories and Single-Room-Occupancy (SRO) buildings Commercial or industrial zoned lots Non-residential areas within buildings, such as storage areas, and living/sleeping quarters added in garages Recreation Vehicles (RVs), including non-motorized Travel Trailers Boats/House Boats … Continued

Is there a registration fee?

Yes, there is a $170 registration fee the first time you register your short-term rental. If you are renewing your registration the fee is $135.

Can I use my Accessory Dwelling Unit as a Short-Term Rental?

The City allows for Accessory Structures (ex. Accessory Dwelling Units, Junior Dwelling Units, and Accessory Structures less than 120 square feet) to be used as Short-Term Rentals. These units must still meet the primary residency requirements. However, You cannot offer an entire single home or residential unit and the accessory structure at the same time. … Continued

Do I need to live in the unit I want to use as a Short-Term Rental?

Yes, only the “Permanent Resident” can offer their home as a short-term rental and the home must be their “Primary Residence” A “Primary Resident” is a person who occupies a Residential Unit for at least 60 consecutive days with intent to establish that unit as his or her primary residence. A Permanent Resident may be … Continued

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