Short-Term Rental (STR) Investment Guide for Burlingame, CA

Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Burlingame, CA, but under strict regulations. The city has implemented a registration program to allow limited STR uses while preventing the loss of housing stock and mitigating impacts on neighborhoods. The key differentiator is between "hosted" and "un-hosted" rentals.

Overview: STR Allowance in Burlingame

• Yes, STRs are allowed. Burlingame explicitly permits the rental of existing residential units for stays of thirty consecutive days or less.
• Crucial Distinction: The regulations are highly dependent on whether the host is present ("hosted") or absent ("un-hosted") during the rental period.
  • "Un-hosted" Rentals: Entire home or apartment rentals where the owner or primary resident is not onsite. These are strictly limited to 120 days per calendar year.
  • "Hosted" Rentals: Rentals where the owner or primary resident is onsite (e.g., renting a spare room). There is no annual day limit for hosted rentals.
• Prohibition: Full-time STRs without a homeowner or long-term renter on-site are not permitted. Only primary residences can be registered.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Burlingame

Starting an STR in Burlingame involves a clear, multi-step process:

1. Verify Eligibility: Confirm you meet the primary residency requirement and understand the 120-day limit for un-hosted rentals.
2. Register with the City: Complete the mandatory short-term rental registration through the city's designated portal: burlingame-ca-str.deckard.com.
3. Pay Registration Fees: Submit the fixed registration fees ($200 for initial registration, $100 for annual renewal).
4. Obtain a Business License: After your STR application is approved, you must obtain and maintain a valid business license. The application fee is based on your projected annual gross receipts, as per Municipal Code Section 6.08.020, plus a $4 state fee (AB1379).
5. Set Up for Compliance: Prepare to comply with all operational requirements, including designating a local contact agent and setting up Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection and remittance.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Investors must be prepared to manage the following requirements:

1. Short-Term Rental Registration:

   • Purpose: Mandatory for operating any STR.
   • Cost: $200 (initial), $100 (annual renewal) - fixed, non-refundable.
   • Key Requirement: Proof of primary residence. This demonstrates that the homeowner or long-term renter lives at the residence a majority of the year.
   • Portal: Burlingame STR Registration Website.

2. Business License:

   • Purpose: Required by the Municipal Code for any person engaging in a business in Burlingame.
   • Requirement: Must be obtained after STR registration is approved.
   • Cost: Based on annual gross receipts. See Code Section 6.08.020 for fee details, plus a $4 state fee.

3. Operational Guidelines & Standards: Compliance is not optional. Violations can lead to penalties or revocation of registration.

   • Authorized Agent (Local Contact): You must provide an agent available 24/7. They must respond to contact within 30 minutes and be on-site within one hour of a complaint.
   • On-Site Parking: Any available parking (garage, driveway) must be provided to guests.
   • Noise and Refuse: Full compliance with the city's Noise Ordinance and refuse/recycling standards is required.
   • Special Events: Prohibited. This includes weddings, parties, and commercial functions.
   • Concurrent Listings: Only one listing and one group of guests for the same primary residence are allowed per day. This prevents renting out multiple rooms separately at the same time.
   • Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): You must collect and remit TOT. The city provides an online portal for TOT payments: Burlingame TOT Remittance Portal.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

• City (Burlingame): The primary governing authority is the city's Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 6.56). This sets the 120-day limit for un-hosted rentals, primary residency requirement, and operational standards.
• County (San Mateo): The provided sources do not indicate any additional county-level regulations specific to STRs. Burlingame's city ordinance appears to be the primary regulatory layer.
• State (California): State law, particularly AB 881, SB 13, and AB 68, prohibits municipalities from allowing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to be rented for less than 30 days as STRs. This is a significant state-level restriction that applies to all California cities, including Burlingame.

Contact Information

For questions, registration, or to report issues, contact the following local authorities:

• Planning Division (Eligibility & Registration Questions):
  • Phone: 650-558-7250
  • Email: planningdept@burlingame.org
• 24-Hour STR Complaint Hotline:
  • Phone: 844-234-7371
  • Online Complaint Form: Available at the same portal used for registration.
• General City Information:
  • Address: 501 Primrose Road, Burlingame, CA 94010
  • Phone: 650-558-7200
  • Website: www.burlingame.org

Links to Source Pages

The information in this guide is derived from the following sources, which are the official repositories for the regulations:

• Short-Term Rental Program: https://www.burlingame.org/436/Short-Term-Rental-Program
• Municipal Code Chapter 6.56 - Short-Term Rentals: https://ecode360.com/44509434#44509434
• Noise Ordinance: http://qcode.us/codes/burlingame/view.php?topic=10-10_40-10_40_035&frames=off
• Business License Requirements: https://ecode360.com/44508254#44508254
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Payment Portal: https://burlingame-ca-str.deckard.com/pay-tot/find-license/license_number
• Background Article (San Mateo Daily Journal): https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/burlingame-eyes-rules-for-short-term-rentals/article_22bf3726-c4b0-11ea-a7e3-239b93b2de43.html

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Investors are strongly advised to consult the official Municipal Code and contact the Planning Division directly for the most current and authoritative information before proceeding with any investment.