Overview:

• Are STRs allowed? YES, but only with a valid City-issued permit. The City of Malibu strictly regulates STRs. Operating an STR without a permit is a violation subject to significant fines.
• Key Ordinance: Ordinance No. 468 (Effective Jan 15, 2021) established the current mandatory STR permit system.
• Primary Restriction: STRs must be the host's primary residence (host must live on-site during guest stays). The property can also include a legally permitted Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) rented alongside the primary residence. Operating STRs in multifamily buildings is prohibited.
• Future Changes: The "Hosted Ordinance" (Ordinance No. 472), which formalized the primary residence requirement, is not yet active. It requires certification by the California Coastal Commission (CCC), which denied the City's proposal in August 2022. City staff is working with the CCC on revisions.
• Critical Requirement: As of January 1, 2023, a valid Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Operating Permit OR a City-approved compliance agreement is mandatory to obtain or renew an STR permit. Non-compliance invalidates the permit.

1. Starting an STR Business in Malibu: Step-by-Step

1. Verify Eligibility:
   • Confirm you own the property and it is your primary residence.
   • Ensure the property has a valid OWTS Operating Permit issued under Malibu Municipal Code Chapter 15.44 OR you have a City-approved compliance agreement. Process can take 6+ months - start early!
   • Verify zoning compliance (e.g., not in multifamily building).
2. Prepare Application Documents:
   • Proof of Ownership: Grant Deed and operating agreement (if applicable).
   • Completed Property Owner Attestation Page (signed and initialed).
   • If renting/leasing: Notarized landlord authorization (strongly recommended, see City guidance).
   • Evidence of Primary Residency (as per City requirements).
   • Proof of Valid OWTS Operating Permit or Compliance Agreement.
3. Choose Application Method:
   • Online (Recommended): Submit via Host Compliance portal (Link Provided).
     • Upload required documents digitally.
     • Print, sign, and mail the original wet-signed Attestation Page to the City (address below).
     • Pay application fee ($495) by credit card online.
   • Mail: Complete the Mail-In Application Form (Link Provided).
     • Print, sign, and initial as required.
     • Mail completed form, Attestation Page (wet-signed), proof of ownership, and check for $495 to the City (address below).
4. Receive Permit & Display: Once approved, you will receive your STR Permit Number. This must be prominently displayed on all advertisements for the STR (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) before listing.
5. Comply with Ongoing Obligations:
   • Provide guests with the City STR Code of Conduct and post it inside the main entrance.
   • Maintain valid OWTS Operating Permit/Compliance Agreement status at all times.
   • Collect and remit the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).
   • Renew the STR permit at least 30 days before expiration (permits are annual).
6. Advertise Responsibly: Ensure all ads include the permit number and accurately describe the property.

2. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses & Guidelines

• Required Permits/Licenses:
  • City STR Permit (Ord. 468): Mandatory to operate any STR. Annual renewal required.
  • OWTS Operating Permit: Mandatory (Effective 01/01/2023) OR valid City compliance agreement for the property.
• Required Documents:
  • Grant Deed (Proof of Ownership).
  • Operating Agreement (if applicable).
  • Signed & Initialed Property Owner Attestation Page (wet signature required).
  • Proof of Primary Residency (as per City requirements).
  • Evidence of Valid OWTS Operating Permit or Compliance Agreement.
  • (For Renters/Leasers) Notarized Landlord Authorization (strongly advised).
• Mandatory Guidelines:
  • Malibu STR Code of Conduct: Must be provided to all guests and posted inside the main entrance door.
  • Malibu Municipal Code Chapter 17.55: Governs STR regulations.
  • State Guidelines: Must comply with all applicable CA laws (e.g., health & safety, taxes).

3. Specific Regulations & Penalties (City/County/State)

• City of Malibu (Primary Authority):
  • Permit Requirement: Operating or advertising an STR without a valid permit is a violation.
  • Fine Structure: $1,000 per day/violation OR twice the advertised daily rental rate per day/violation, whichever is higher.
  • Hosting Requirement: Host must be present on-site during guest stays (current interpretation of "primary residence" under the active Ordinance No. 468).
  • Eligibility: STR must be host's primary residence; ADUs on the same lot may also be rented. STRs in multifamily buildings are prohibited.
  • OWTS Mandate: Valid OWTS Operating Permit or compliance agreement is mandatory for permit issuance/renewal as of Jan 1, 2023.
  • Renewal Deadline: Application must be received at least 30 days before permit expiration. Late submissions unlikely to be processed before current permit expires.
  • Advertising: STR Permit Number must be displayed on all advertisements.
  • Code of Conduct: Mandatory distribution and posting.
  • Appeals: Decisions can be appealed to the Planning Commission within 30 days via the City Clerk.
  • Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): 15% rate (effective Jan 1, 2021, Measure T). Collected by hosts and remitted to the City.
• County (Los Angeles County): No separate county-level STR permits identified in provided sources. STRs fall under City jurisdiction.
• State (California): State laws (e.g., health/safety, tax requirements like TOT - cities like Malibu collect it) still apply but specific STR registration is handled at the city level under current law.

4. Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs)

• City of Malibu Short-Term Rental Program
  • Address: City of Malibu Short-Term Rental Permit Program, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA 90265
  • STR Support Email: STRSupport@malibucity.org
  • STR Support Phone: 310-456-2489, ext. 381
  • STR Hotline (Complaints): 310-456-2489, ext. 308
  • STR Complaint Email: STR@malibucity.org
  • Finance Division (TOT): Phone: 310-456-2489
  • Main City Line: 310-456-2489
  • Main Website: City of Malibu STR Program
  • Emergency: 911
  • Sheriff's Station (Non-Emergency): 310-456-6652

5. Links to Source Pages

1. City of Malibu - Short-Term Rental Program (Main Page): https://www.malibucity.org/820/Short-Term-Rental-Program
   • Contains details on Ordinance 468, application process, fees, renewal deadlines, Code of Conduct, appeal process, and contacts.
2. Malibu STR Program - Online Application (Host Compliance): http://secure.hostcompliance.com/malibu-ca/permit-registration
   • Online portal for submitting applications and renewals.
3. Malibu STR Program - Mail-In Application Form: https://www.malibucity.org/DocumentCenter/View/27331/Short-Term-Rental-Application
   • Form for submitting applications by mail.
4. Malibu STR Program - Property Owner Attestation Page: https://www.malibucity.org/DocumentCenter/View/27478/Property-Owner-Attestations
   • Form requiring wet signature for all applications.
5. Malibu STR Program - STR Code of Conduct: https://malibucity.org/DocumentCenter/View/27474/Short-Term-Rental-Code-of-Conduct
   • Mandatory document for guests and property posting.
6. Malibu STR Program - Amendment Request Form: https://www.malibucity.org/DocumentCenter/View/30776/Amendment-Request-21722_Fillable
   • Form to amend an existing application.
7. Malibu STR Program - STR Appeal Form: https://www.malibucity.org/DocumentCenter/View/27685/Short-term-Rental-Appeal-Form
   • Form for appealing permit decisions.
8. City of Malibu - STR Ordinances In Progress: https://www.malibucity.org/1070/STR-Ordinances-In-Progress
   • Details on Ordinance 472 (Hosted STR) status and history with CCC.
9. City of Malibu - Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): https://www.malibucity.org/322/Transient-Occupancy-Tax-TOT
   • Information on the local TOT.
10. Airbnb Help Article - Malibu, CA STR Rules: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/866
    • Platform overview mirroring City rules (note potential fee discrepancy with City site).
11. Guestable Blog - Malibu STR Rules: https://www.guestable.com/blog/short-term-rental-regulations-in-the-city-of-malibu/
    • Third-party summary (contains potential inaccuracies – verify with City).