Overview: STR Status in Mill Valley

Short-Term Rentals are ALLOWED in Mill Valley, CA. The city explicitly permits STRs in all residential units except deed-restricted Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs). Mill Valley has established a comprehensive regulatory framework that allows STR operations while protecting the city's long-term housing stock and preventing nuisance activities.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Mill Valley

Step-by-Step Process

1. Verify Property Eligibility

   • Ensure your property is a legally permitted residential space
   • Confirm it is not a deed-restricted ADU or JADU
   • If your lot contains a JADU, the primary unit cannot be rented concurrently with the JADU due to owner occupancy requirements

2. Submit Required Applications

   • Complete the Short-Term Rental Registration Form
   • Apply for a Residential Business License
   • Submit both to the Planning Department

3. Pay Required Fees

   • STR Registration Fee: $50 (annual)
   • Business License Fee: $15 per unit + $4 (annual)
   • Set up monthly transient occupancy tax remittances

4. Establish Guest Communication Systems

   • Identify and register an emergency contact person (must be over 18)
   • Prepare guest information materials covering all required topics

5. Maintain Ongoing Compliance

   • Renew registrations annually by July 31st
   • Submit monthly TOT returns and payments
   • Respond to any violations or complaints

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Documents and Permits

Short-Term Rental Registration Form

• Source: City of Mill Valley Planning Department
• Fee: $50 (annual)
• Content Required:
  • Project/property address
  • Type of rental space (room in single-family, entire single-family, 2nd unit, or multi-family unit)
  • Maximum occupancy capacity
  • Number of available parking spaces
  • Emergency contact information (name, phone, must be over 18)
  • Applicant and owner information (if different)

Residential Business License

• Issuing Department: Finance Department
• Fee: $15 per unit + $4 (annual, payable online through OpenGov)
• Process: Complete Business License Application and submit through OpenGov portal

Transient Occupancy Tax Registration

• Portal: OpenGov online portal
• Requirement: Monthly remittances of TOT collected from guests
• Form: Mill Valley Transient Occupancy Tax Remittance Form

Required Guest Information Statement

All hosts must provide guests with a statement containing:

1. Maximum occupancy limits for the rental unit
2. Parking information describing available guest parking
3. Emergency contact details for a responsible person available 24/7
4. Trash disposal instructions and procedures
5. Mill Valley Noise Ordinance requirements and quiet hours
6. Good Neighbor conduct expectations, including:
   • Noise limitation requirements
   • Respectful parking practices
   • Proper trash disposal in appropriate bins

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

City of Mill Valley Regulations

Permitted STR Types:

• Rooms within single-family homes
• Entire single-family homes
• Multi-family units
• Second units (with restrictions)

Prohibited STR Types:

• Deed-restricted ADUs
• Deed-restricted JADUs
• Properties where primary unit and JADU would be rented concurrently

Operating Requirements:

• Maximum rental period: Less than 30 consecutive days
• Annual registration and business license renewal required
• Monthly TOT remittances mandatory
• 24/7 emergency contact availability required

Consequences for Violations:

• Non-renewal of business license
• Cease of STR operations for at least one year following expiration
• Discretionary approval required from Planning Director for early reinstatement

Marin County Context

Unincorporated Marin County:

• STRs allowed but with different regulations
• License required from Marin County
• Cap of 1,200 STR licenses for entire unincorporated county
• Different application process through Marin County Department of Finance

California State Regulations

Tax Obligations:

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection and remittance
• State-level TOT rates apply in addition to local requirements
• Monthly filing and payment requirements typically apply

General Business Requirements:

• Valid business license (city/county level)
• Compliance with health and safety codes
• Adherence to local zoning regulations

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary STR Contact

Planning Department

• Email: planning@cityofmillvalley.gov
• Phone: (415) 388-4033
• Address: 26 Corte Madera Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 94941
• Role: STR Registration, permit applications, zoning compliance

Tax and Financial Contacts

Finance Department - Transient Occupancy Tax

• Phone: (415) 384-4802
• Email: tot@cityofmillvalley.gov
• Online Portal: OpenGov.com (millvalleyca.taxandrevenue.opengov.com)
• Role: Business licenses, TOT collection and remittance

General City Contact

Mill Valley City Hall

• Address: 26 Corte Madera Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 94941
• Phone: (415) 388-4033
• Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Source Pages and References

Primary City Sources

1. City of Mill Valley Short-Term Rentals Page: www.cityofmillvalley.gov/2072/Short-Term-Rentals
2. STR Registration Form: www.cityofmillvalley.gov/DocumentCenter/View/121/Short-Term-Rental-Application-PDF
3. Business Licenses Information: www.cityofmillvalley.org/656/Business-Licenses
4. OpenGov TOT Portal: millvalleyca.taxandrevenue.opengov.com/
5. Planning Department Fee Schedule: www.cityofmillvalley.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8241

County and Regional Sources

6. Living in Marin - STR Overview: www.livinginmarin.com/marin-county-rules-for-short-term-rentals/
7. Marin County STR Information: www.marincounty.gov/departments/cda/planning/long-range-planning-initiatives/short-term-rental-str

Hosting Platform References

8. Airbnb Mill Valley Regulations Summary: www.airbnb.com/help/article/1407

Municipal Code and Legal References

9. Mill Valley Municipal Code: qcode.us/codes/millvalley/
10. Mill Valley TOT Ordinance (Section 5.28): qcode.us/codes/millvalley/view.php?topic=5-5_28&showAll=1

Important Notes for Investors

Critical Compliance Deadlines:

• Annual registration renewal by July 31st each year
• Monthly TOT remittances (due monthly, not annually)
• Immediate response required for any violation notices

Financial Considerations:

• Registration and license fees are non-refundable
• TOT collection is guest-paid but host-remitted responsibility
• Violations can result in complete suspension of operations

Property Investment Implications:

• Properties with deed-restricted ADUs/JADUs are ineligible for STR operations
• Properties with existing JADUs may have limitations on primary unit STR operations
• Zoning verification recommended before property acquisition for STR purposes

This comprehensive regulatory framework positions Mill Valley as a STR-friendly market with clear, established processes for legal operation while maintaining community standards and housing stock protection.