Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Avila Beach?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Avila Beach, CA. However, they are strictly regulated under San Luis Obispo County's Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance Section 23.08.165. Short-term rentals are classified as "residential vacation rentals" and must comply with specific location standards, permit requirements, and operational guidelines. The ordinance specifically addresses Avila Beach with distinct regulations that differ from other coastal communities like Cambria and Cayucos.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Avila Beach

Step 1: Initial Contact and Planning Assessment

Begin by contacting the Permit Center in the Department of Planning and Building at (805) 781-5600. A Permit Center Planner will:

• Determine if your property qualifies for a Zoning Clearance or requires a Minor Use Permit
• Provide necessary forms to begin the application process
• Verify property location within the Coastal Zone

Step 2: Business License Application

If a Zoning Clearance can be issued, you must apply for a business license in person at the Tax Collector's Office. The process involves:

• Business License Clerk processing your application
• Planning and Building Department issuing required Zoning Clearance
• Upon Zoning Clearance issuance, business license is issued upon payment of license fee

Step 3: Compliance Verification

Ensure your property meets all standards of the Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance Section 23.08.165, including the specific Avila Beach location requirements.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Permits and Licenses

1. Zoning Clearance - Required for all residential vacation rentals
2. Business License - Issued by Tax Collector upon Zoning Clearance approval
3. Transient Occupancy Tax Certificate - Required for tax collection and remittance

Required Documentation

For Zoning Clearance Application:

1. Grant Deed (original or certified copy)
2. Land Use Consent of Property Owner Form (if applicant is not the owner)
3. Site Plan of entire property showing:
   • Structure proposed for vacation rental
   • Parking locations
   • Number and location of parking spaces (garage, driveway, etc.)
   • Designation of number of bedrooms
4. Floor Plan of the structure showing all rooms and floors
5. Will Serve Letter from community water and/or sewer supplier(s) confirming adequate service capacity
6. Coastal Vacation Rental Certification Form (completed)
7. Notification letter using Sample Letter Template (mailed to required parties)
8. Mailing list copy used for notification process

Required Notifications

Must provide notice to:

• Department of Planning and Building
• Main County Sheriff's Office
• Local Fire Agency
• Local Sheriff Substation
• All property owners within 200 feet of the vacation rental

Minor Use Permit Requirements

If your property cannot meet the location standards, a Minor Use Permit may be required for approval of location standard modifications.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Location Standards for Avila Beach

Primary Requirement: No parcel shall be approved for a residential vacation rental if it is within 50 feet of another parcel with a residential vacation rental and/or other visitor-serving accommodation.

• Distance Measurement: From closest property line of property containing existing vacation rental to closest property line of proposed vacation rental
• Condominium Units: Property line shall be the wall of the individual unit
• Modification: This location standard may be modified through Minor Use Permit approval when a Development Plan is not otherwise required

Occupancy and Tenancy Limits

• Maximum Tenancies: Rental of a residence shall not exceed four individual tenancies per calendar month
• Occupant Limit: Maximum number of occupants shall not exceed:
  • Number that can be accommodated consistent with on-site parking requirement
  • Two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons
• Duration: Rental periods less than 30 consecutive days

Parking Requirements

• On-Site Parking Required: All parking associated with Residential Vacation Rental shall be entirely on-site
• Locations: Garage, driveway, or otherwise out of roadway
• Prohibition: Tenants shall not use on-street parking at any time
• Compliance: Must be consistent with occupancy requirements

Noise Standards

• Must comply with Section 23.06.040 et seq. (Noise Standards)
• Prohibited Equipment: No use of equipment requiring more than standard household electrical current (110 or 220 volts) that produces noise, dust, odor, or vibration detrimental to adjoining dwellings
• Noise Evaluation: Based on threshold audible from 50 feet from property lines
• Enforcement: County Sheriff, County Code Enforcement, or other official personnel

Local Contact Requirements

• 24/7 Availability: Must designate local property manager available 24 hours daily
• Owner Designation: Property owner may designate themselves if living within same urban/village area
• Posted Information: Name, address, and phone number permanently posted in rental unit in prominent location(s)
• Notification Changes: Any changes in contact information must be promptly furnished to agencies and neighboring property owners

Posting Requirements

Inside the vacation rental unit, must post and incorporate as contract addendum:

• Standards for parking
• Maximum occupancy limits
• Noise requirements
• Local contact person information

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)

• Must meet regulations in Chapter 3.08 of County Code
• Required payment of TOT for each residential vacation rental unit
• TOT Certificate Number: Must be included in all advertising

Business License Regulations

• Expiration: Business license becomes inactive after 12 months if not renewed
• Renewal Requirements: When inactive, new Zoning Clearance required
• Transfer Restrictions: Business license cannot be "transferred" to new owner
• New Owner Process: New owner can obtain new business license without new Zoning Clearance if applying before old license becomes inactive

Advertising Restrictions

• On-Site Advertising: Availability of rental unit shall not be advertised on-site
• TOT Number: Must include TOT Certificate Number in all advertisements

Traffic Limitations

• Normal Residential Traffic: Generated traffic shall not exceed type or volume normally generated by full-time resident home
• Specific Limit: Up to 10 trips per day considered normal residential traffic volume

Appearance Standards

• Residential Character: Must not change residential character of outside appearance
• Prohibited Changes: Colors, materials, lighting, construction of accessory structures/garages visible from off-site not of same architectural character
• Emissions: No emission of noise, glare, flashing lights, vibrations, or odors not commonly experienced in residential areas

Complaint and Enforcement Process

1. First Contact: Complaints directed to local contact person
2. Secondary Contact: If unavailable, contact County Sheriffs Department (Dispatch)
3. Code Enforcement: Sheriffs Department informs County Code Enforcement if contact person unavailable
4. Documentation: County Code Enforcement prepares written report documenting violations
5. Violation Consequences: Three verified violations within six months constitute grounds for Zoning Clearance revocation

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact: San Luis Obispo County Planning & Building Department

• Phone: (805) 781-5600
• Fax: (805) 781-1242
• Email: planning@co.slo.ca.us
• Website: www.sloplanning.org
• Address: 976 Osos Street, Room 200, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
• TTY/TRS: 7-1-1

Permit Center Hours

• Walk-in Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday mornings, 7:30 AM - 11:45 AM
• Appointments: Monday and Wednesday afternoons, Tuesday and Thursday all day
• Friday: Closed at 12:00 PM
• Lunch Break: Closed from 12 PM to 1:30 PM Monday-Thursday

Tax Collector (Business Licenses)

• Phone: (805) 781-5831
• Address: 1055 Monterey Street, Suite D290, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408

Sheriff's Office

• Main County Sheriff's Office: Contact through main number
• Local Sheriff Substation: Contact information provided through permit process

Local Fire Agency

• Contact Information: Provided during permit application process

Links to Source Pages

Primary Government Resources

1. Coastal Zone Residential Vacation Rental Guide (PDF) - Comprehensive guide with detailed requirements and application process
2. Coastal Residential Vacation Rental Ordinance User Guide - Updated user guide with current requirements
3. Coastal Vacation Rental Clearance Process - Official application process page

Legal Documents

4. Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance Section 23.08.165 - Full legal text of residential vacation rental regulations

Additional Resources

5. SLO County Planning & Building Website - Main department website with forms and information
6. Business License Application - Required business license application form
7. Land Use Consent of Property Owner Form - Required if applicant is not property owner
8. Coastal Vacation Rental Certification Form - Required certification form
9. Sample Letter Template - Notification letter template
10. Mailing List Generation Guide - Guide for generating property owner mailing lists
11. PermitSLO Online Application Portal - Online application system

Additional Information Resources

12. San Luis Obispo County Short-Term Rental Guide - Third-party comprehensive guide covering all SLO County STR regulations including Avila Beach

Important Note: This guide is based on current regulations as of the provided content. Always verify current requirements with the San Luis Obispo County Planning & Building Department before proceeding with any applications, as regulations may change.