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

How do I prove my Short-Term Rental is my “Primary Residence”?

To prove your Short-Term Rental is your “Primary Residence,” you must provide three of the following five documents when you register: Motor vehicle registration; Driver’s license; Voter registration; Tax documents showing the Residential Unit as the Permanent Resident’s residence for the purposes of a home owner’s tax exemption; A utility bill.

How many people can stay at my Short-Term Rental?

The City allows  two individuals per bedroom plus two additional individuals if the rental provides additional living space. For instance, a studio could accommodate two individuals and a one-bedroom apartment could accommodate four individuals. The City also requires that rentals provide enough off-street parking to meet the number who can stay in the short-term rental.  … Continued

Are Short-Term Rentals required to provide guest parking?

Yes, one designated off-street parking space must be provided for every four guests. For properties with multiple residential units used as short-term rentals, each rental listing must have its own designated off-street parking.

Do I need a vegetation inspection?

Short-term Rentals on properties in a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) must show proof of a vegetation inspection as part of their registration. For 2020, property owners will be able to conduct a self-certified vegetation inspection, by completed a Vegetation Inspection Checklist and submitting photos of the front, back, and sides of the property. It is important … Continued

Do I need to collect taxes for my Short-Term Rental?

Yes, the City requires hosts collect and remit Transient Occupancy Taxes (TOT) for all short-term rentals. TOT is 12% (10% City, 2% for MCBIDTA). Airbnb will directly remit the taxes to the city. All other rental site (i.e. VRBO or Turn key ) you will have to remit the tax payment yourself.   There is a … Continued

What is the three-strikes policy?

Any hosts who have received three or more upheld citation violations of the program rules in a two year period, they will immediately lose the short-term rental registration.

Short-Term Rental Program Resources

Policy Resolution 14737- Short-Term Rental Program Policies and Procedures  Ordinance 1976- ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL  AMENDING SECTION 14.03.030 AND SECTION 3.20.020 OF THE SAN  RAFAEL MUNICIPAL CODE, AND ADDING NEW CHAPTER 10.110 ENTITLED  “SHORT-TERM RENTAL PROGRAM” Overview of leading regulatory and enforcement approaches used by local governments to achieve common … Continued

What is a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)?

If extreme fire danger conditions threaten a portion of the electric system serving a community, it may be necessary to turn off electricity in the interest of public safety – a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).  Beginning with the 2019 wildfire season, PG&E announced expansion of their PSPS program to include all electric lines (distribution … Continued

Background

November 4th & 18th City Council Meeting As follow-up to an informational report presented to the San Rafael City Council on August 5, 2019, a draft ordinance and policy resolution have been prepared addressing short-term rentals.  Specifically, the ordinance and policy resolution propose to establish regulations for permitting, administering, enforcing, and taxing short-term rentals. At … Continued

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