Overview: STR Status in Larkspur

Short-term rentals are explicitly prohibited in Larkspur, California. The City maintains a strict prohibition on all short-term rental activities, defining them as rentals of residential dwelling units (or any portion thereof) to paying occupants for any period less than thirty (30) consecutive days. This prohibition encompasses both hosted and un-hosted rentals and applies citywide across all zoning districts.

The City views STR violations as posing threats to public health and safety due to their impact on housing availability during California's ongoing housing crisis. Violations are subject to significant financial penalties and enforcement action.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Starting an STR business in Larkspur is not legally feasible. The City has adopted a comprehensive prohibition on short-term rentals, making it impossible to legally operate such a business within city limits. Any attempts to operate an STR will result in immediate enforcement action and substantial fines.

For investors seeking STR opportunities in Marin County, consider neighboring jurisdictions that allow STRs:

• Corte Madera: Allows STRs with permits and business licenses
• Fairfax: Allows STRs with municipal permits
• Mill Valley: Allows STRs with proper licensing
• Novato: Allows STRs with program compliance
• San Rafael: Allows STRs with municipal requirements
• Unincorporated Marin County: Allows STRs with county licenses (1,200 total license cap)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

No documents, permits, or licenses are available for STRs in Larkspur as the activity is prohibited. However, understanding what's required elsewhere in Marin County can inform investment decisions:

Typical Requirements in STR-Allowing Marin Jurisdictions:

• Business license registration and renewal
• Municipal STR permit
• Transient occupancy tax registration
• Safety inspections (building and fire)
• Parking compliance documentation
• Waste management service verification

Larkspur-Specific Considerations:

• ADU Prohibition: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs (JADUs) are specifically prohibited from short-term rental use in Larkspur. Any rental of these units must exceed 30 days.
• Business License: While not applicable for STRs, Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 5.04 requires business licenses for rental properties in general.

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

City of Larkspur Regulations

Primary Prohibition:

• Larkspur Municipal Code Section 18.040.050(A) states: "No land shall be used for purposes other than permitted by this title for the district in which the land is located"
• STRs are not permitted uses in any zoning district
• The prohibition is codified in the City's "short-term rental ordinance"

ADU/JADU Specific Restrictions:

• Larkspur Municipal Code 18.23.060(N): "Short-Term Rental Prohibited. Any rental of an ADU shall exceed thirty (30) days. JADU rentals shall exceed thirty (30) days when permitted by State law."

Enforcement Framework:

• Violations can be charged as infractions or misdemeanors
• Administrative enforcement through Code Enforcement (Chapter 9.24)
• Complaint-based enforcement system
• Authority to prosecute criminally at City's discretion

County Level (Marin County)

Unincorporated Marin County STR Program:

• Marin County allows STRs in unincorporated areas with proper licensing
• County STR regulations apply only to unincorporated areas, not incorporated cities like Larkspur
• License cap of 1,200 for entire unincorporated county
• Community-specific caps for western Marin communities
• License fees: $300 for primary residence operations, $600 for non-primary residence operations

Licensing Requirements for Unincorporated Marin:

• Business license application
• Water usage documentation and conservation plans
• Waste management service verification
• Site plan with parking specifications
• Building safety and fire safety self-certifications
• Septic system inspection reports (if applicable)

State Level (California)

SB 60 (2021) - Enhanced Penalties:

• Allows cities to impose higher fines for STR violations posing health/safety threats
• Maximum fines increased to $1,500 (first violation), $3,000 (second violation within one year), $5,000 (additional violations within one year)
• Larkspur has adopted these enhanced penalties

AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act):

• Statewide rent increase limitations and just cause eviction protections
• Does not directly regulate STRs but affects long-term rental market
• Applies to properties with more than one unit, exempting most single-family homes

Penalties and Enforcement

Financial Penalties (Larkspur STR Violations)

• First violation: Up to $1,500 fine
• Second violation within one year: Up to $3,000 fine
• Additional violations within one year: Up to $5,000 fine
• Hardship waiver process: Available for those showing bona fide compliance efforts and undue financial burden

Additional Enforcement Tools

• Criminal prosecution as misdemeanors possible
• Abatement costs can be trebled for repeat offenders
• Administrative citation process
• Public nuisance abatement authority

Contact Information

City of Larkspur - Primary Contacts

City Hall:

• Address: 400 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur, CA 94939
• Phone: (415) 927-5110

Community Development Department:

• Director: Elise Semonian
• Handles zoning and STR enforcement matters

Code Enforcement:

• Report violations through City website or phone

City Clerk's Office:

• Official repository for municipal ordinances and enforcement procedures

County Level Contacts (for unincorporated Marin STR licensing)

Marin County Community Development Agency:

• Contact: Daisy Sanchez, STR Program Coordinator
• Manages unincorporated Marin County STR licensing
• Accepting applications for existing and new STR operators

Housing and Tenant Protection Resources

ECHO Housing (Tenant Protection Services):

• Phone: 855-ASK-ECHO
• Email: LarkspurTPO@echofairhousing.org
• Provides education on Larkspur rent stabilization and tenant protection ordinances

Source Links

Primary Regulatory Documents

• Larkspur Municipal Code Section 18.040.050(A) - Primary STR prohibition
• Larkspur Municipal Code Section 18.23.060(N) - ADU/JADU STR prohibition
• Larkspur Ordinance 1060 - Enhanced penalty structure
• Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 9.24 - Code enforcement procedures

County and Regional Information

• Marin County STR Program - Unincorporated Marin regulations
• Marin County STR Implementation News - Recent implementation updates

Municipal Comparison Resources

• Marin County STR Status Overview - Comparative STR regulations across Marin County jurisdictions

Investment Recommendation: Given Larkspur's comprehensive STR prohibition, serious investors should focus on neighboring jurisdictions that allow STR operations while maintaining compliance with all applicable regulations. TheSTR market in Marin County remains viable but increasingly regulated, requiring careful attention to local ordinances and licensing requirements.