Archives: FAQs

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 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

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

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 if I need Electricity and Battery-Dependent Assistive Technology and Medical Devices?

Update your contact information with PG&E at pge.com/mywildfirealerts or call 1-866-743-6589. Follow Pacific ADA Center’s recommendations Power Outage Information Sheet. Review and update the American with Disabilities Act’s Emergency Power Planning Checklist every 6 months Medical Condition Specific Preparedness Plans Emergency Information: AFN Communication How to Prepare for and Handle Power Outages Emergency Power Planning … 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

Close window