Marina, California Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: STR Status in Marina, California

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Marina, California but with significant restrictions. Marina permits STRs only in primary residences that are owner-occupied duplexes or single-family dwellings. The city implemented a comprehensive STR ordinance (effective December 5, 2019) that establishes a permitting system, tax requirements, and operational standards to balance economic opportunities with neighborhood preservation.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Marina?

Marina hosts earn a median $32,457/year with $209 ADR and 71% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $51,176+ per year.

See the full Marina market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Marina

Starting an STR business in Marina requires completing three mandatory steps in sequence:

Step 1: Secure Your Property Qualification

Verify your property qualifies as a primary residence (your permanent residence documented by two forms of identification)
Confirm the property is either a duplex or single-family dwelling (any zoning district is acceptable)
Note that ADUs and JADUs are prohibited from STR use
Accept that you can only operate one STR since you can have only one primary residence

Step 2: Obtain Your STR Permit

Apply through the Online Permit Portal
Submit required documentation proving primary residence status
Pay the $160 application fee
Note permits expire June 30th annually regardless of issuance date

Step 3: Complete Business Licensing and Tax Setup

Obtain a business license from HdL Companies
Register for monthly Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) remittance
Set up systems for collecting and remitting the 14% TOT

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Short-Term Rental Permit

Required Information:

Property owner's name, address, assessor's parcel number (APN), and telephone number
Anticipated daily rental charge
Written acknowledgment of TOT payment responsibility
Proof of primary residence status (two forms of identification)
Valid business license number (must be included in all STR solicitations)

Fees:

Application fee: $160
Annual renewal fee: $115

Validity:

Expires June 30th of each calendar year
Must be renewed annually to continue operation
Does not run with the land (transfers only under specific ownership changes)

Business License

Required after STR permit approval
Obtain through HdL Companies
Must be maintained throughout STR operation
Business license number required in all STR advertising

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration

14% tax rate on all STR bookings
Collected from guests and remitted monthly to the city
Due at the end of every month for active STRs
Both STR owners and hosting platforms share TOT collection/remittance responsibility

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Property Eligibility and Use Restrictions

Eligible Properties: Owner-occupied duplexes and single-family dwellings
Ineligible Properties: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Junior ADUs (JADUs), long-term rental units
Zoning: No restrictions by zone classification
Ownership: Must be primary residence with documented owner occupancy

Operational Standards

Maximum Occupancy Limits: | Bedrooms | Maximum Guests | |----------|---------------| | 0 (studio) | 2 | | 1 | 4 | | 2 | 6 | | 3 | 8 | | 4 | 10 | | 5+ | 12 |

Time Limitations:

Rentals limited to 29 consecutive days or less
STR permits valid for one year maximum
Annual permit expiration: June 30th

Good Neighbor Requirements:

Must display good neighbor brochure on premises
Subject to noise regulations per Marina Municipal Code Chapter 9.24
Compliance with all applicable occupancy and use laws required

Permit Management

Change in Ownership: Permits invalidated by property sale (except spouse/domestic partner additions to title or trust conversions under same ownership)
Reapplication: 40-day deadline after ownership change to reapply
Revocation: City may revoke permits for code violations
Appeals: Revocation decisions may be appealed per Section 17.58.050 (filing fee required)

Hosting Platform Requirements

Platforms must collect and remit TOT as agents of owners
Required to disclose listing details to city regularly
Cannot process bookings for unlisted properties
Must verify property appears on city registry before accepting booking fees

Contact Information

City of Marina - Community Development Department

Address: 211 Hillcrest Avenue, Marina, CA 93933
Phone: 831-884-1278
Email: marina@cityofmarina.org
Website: cityofmarina.org
Responsibilities: STR permits, zoning compliance, ordinance enforcement

HdL Companies (Business Licensing & TOT Collection)

Phone: (831) 233-6558
Email: marina@hdlgov.com
Website: marina.hdlgov.com
Responsibilities: Business licenses, TOT collection/remittance, monthly reporting

Online Services

STR Permit Application Portal: Online Permit Portal
TOT Payment Portal: HdL TOT Portal

Links to Source Pages

Official City Resources

Application and Payment Portals

Supporting Documentation

Short-Term Rental Permit Standards and Agreement

This guide provides comprehensive coverage of Marina's STR regulatory framework. Investors should note that Marina's regulations prioritize owner-occupied primary residences and impose strict limits on property types and occupancy levels to maintain residential neighborhood character.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Marina

Marina is a small coastal city in Monterey County, California, home to approximately 22,000 residents. Set on the eastern shore of Monterey Bay, the city sits about ten miles north of Monterey and roughly a hundred miles south of San Francisco, reached by a roughly two-hour drive down Highway 1 or US 101. With a more residential, less commercial feel than its famous neighbors, Marina carries a quiet, small-town character that is also shaped by the presence of California State University, Monterey Bay, which lends a youthful energy to parts of the community. The city is often seen as a more affordable gateway to the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and the dramatic coastline that stretches south toward Big Sur.

Marina State Beach, just minutes from the city center, draws visitors for its windswept dunes, wide sandy shoreline, and bluffs that overlook the Pacific. It is one of California's most popular launch points for hang gliding and paragliding, attracting pilots and spectators who come for the reliable coastal breezes and the sweeping views across Monterey Bay.

Just inland from the coast, Fort Ord National Monument covers thousands of acres of the former Fort Ord military base. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the area preserves coastal scrub and oak woodland habitat and offers an extensive network of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as rich wildflower displays in spring.

A short drive south brings visitors to Monterey, with its historic Cannery Row, the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Old Fisherman's Wharf, all reachable in roughly fifteen to twenty minutes from Marina. Slightly farther, the golf links of Pebble Beach and the galleries of Carmel-by-the-Sea are about half an hour away, making day trips effortless from Marina.

Farther south along Highway 1 lies the rugged coast of Big Sur, where landmarks like Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls, and the redwood groves of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park are within roughly an hour's drive, depending on the destination.

Marina's mix of uncrowded beaches, nearby open-space preserves, and quick access to the Monterey Peninsula's marquee destinations give it a compelling blend of value and convenience. Travelers who want a quieter place to sleep while still being a short drive from some of California's most iconic coastal scenery will find Marina a natural fit for a Central Coast stay.