Overview: Are short‑term rentals allowed in Nipomo, CA?

Yes—short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Nipomo. Nipomo lies in unincorporated San Luis Obispo County, so the County’s rules and permitting processes govern vacation rentals (defined as rentals of less than 30 days). You must obtain a County Land Use Authorization and a County Business License, collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Tourism Marketing District (TMD) assessments, and meet local contact, parking, and notification standards. In addition, your STR listing must display your County Business License number.

Source: County “Licensing Vacation Rentals” page (see References).

How to Start an STR in Nipomo (Step-by-Step)

1. Engage Planning & Building for Land Use Authorization

• Contact the County Planning and Building Department to determine your property’s zoning eligibility for a vacation rental and obtain a Land Use Authorization/Zoning Clearance.
• If your property is in a coastal zone, the process is similar but includes coastal‑specific standards; most Nipomo properties are inland and follow the inland pathway.
• Note: you will be assigned to the appropriate “coastal” or “inland” vacation rental process depending on location.

2. Engage the Tax Collector for Business License and TOT

• After receiving your Land Use Authorization, apply for the County Business License and TOT Certificate at the Tax Collector.
• The County issues the license once Planning & Building has signed off.

3. Complete Your Application Package

• Assemble required documentation (site plan, floor plan, management arrangements, contact details, Will‑Serve Letters from water/sewer, neighbor notifications). See Required Documents below.

4. Listing Compliance

• Add your seven‑digit County Business License number (format: “No. XXXXXXX”) to your Airbnb listing.

5. Ongoing Compliance

• Collect 9% TOT and 1% TMD assessment on bookings under 30 days.
• Post emergency contact and property rules inside the unit.
• Maintain two off‑street parking spaces for guests.
• Remit taxes monthly or per instructions from the Tax Collector.

References: County licensing process; Airbnb host guidance (see References).

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Fees

Permits/Licenses

• Land Use Authorization (Zoning Clearance): issued by County Planning & Building.
• County Business License and TOT Certificate: issued by County Tax Collector; must be renewed annually.
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) registration and TMD assessment registration.

Key Application Items (typical)

• Site plan showing bedrooms, parking, utilities access.
• Floor plan with room uses.
• Emergency contact information for a local responsible party available 24/7.
• Local property management arrangement (or owner designation if local).
• Will‑Serve Letter(s) from water/sewer providers confirming capacity for STR use.
• Proof of notification to:
  • County Planning & Building,
  • Sheriff’s Office and relevant substation,
  • Fire agency, and
  • All property owners within 200 feet.
• Payment of application and business license fees.

Fees (subject to change)

• Business License issuance fee: $50 (initial); renewals are lower. Some sources also reference $44; verify the current amount with the Tax Collector.
• Application fees vary by department/permit type; confirm with Planning & Building.

References: County process and forms (see References).

Specific Regulations for STRs in Nipomo (County-Level)

County Definition

• “Vacation rental” is the rental of an entire house for fewer than 30 days (i.e., transient lodging).

Taxation

• TOT (hotel/bed tax): 9% on reservations under 30 days.
• Tourism Marketing District (TMD) assessment: 1% on reservations under 30 days.
• Certain areas also impose a 2% TBID assessment; confirm applicability to your specific location with the Tax Collector.

Operational Requirements

• Land Use Authorization required.
• County Business License required; must be posted (number displayed online).
• County TOT registration required.
• On‑property signage advertising the rental is prohibited.
• Guest parking: two off‑street spaces must be provided and remain available for guests.
• A responsible party must be available 24/7 to respond to neighborhood concerns.

Notifications and Contacts

• Provide local contact details to the County and emergency services.
• Notify all property owners within 200 feet.

If your property lies within the coastal zone, coastal vacation rental standards apply and may include additional documentation and standards (coastal setback, view corridor, coastal access considerations). Most Nipomo parcels are inland, but verify your coastal/inland status with Planning & Building.

References: County tax, licensing, and coastal/inland documentation (see References).

State-Level Rules Affecting STRs in California

State Level Rules

• Transient Occupancy Tax collection/remittance (by hosts or via platforms) is mandatory.
• Advertising compliance: California Business & Professions Code § 17538.45 prohibits the publication of short‑term rental listings without a valid license/registration number. Include your County Business License number on your listing.
• Local preemption: Municipal regulations (caps, performance standards, inspection requirements) may apply even though Nipomo is unincorporated SLO County.

Note: Newer state legislation affecting short‑term rentals may be pending or evolving; consult the legislature or counsel for updates.

References: Airbnb host guidance (see References).

Local Authority Contacts (SLO County)

• County Tax Collector (Business Licenses, TOT/TMD Certificates and Remittance)

  • Phone: 805-781-5831
  • Address: 1055 Monterey St., Room D‑290, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
  • County Contact Page: see References

• County Planning & Building (Permits, Land Use Authorization, Zoning Clearance)

  • Phone: 805-781-5600
  • Address: 1055 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
  • Forms/Documents Portal: see References

• Permit Center (Planning & Building)

  • Walk‑in Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri mornings (7:30–11:45 AM)
  • Appointments: Mon & Wed afternoons; Tue & Thu all day
  • Lunch closure: 12:00–1:30 PM Mon–Thu
  • Friday: closed at 12:00 PM

• County General Contact

  • Main number: 805-781-5000
  • Toll-free: 800-834-4636

Taxes & Fees Summary

• TOT rate: 9%
• TMD assessment: 1%
• TBID assessment: 2% in specific areas (confirm applicability)
• Business License issuance fee: $50 (verify current fee)
• Renewals: lower annual fees; check with the Tax Collector

References: County TOT/TMD/TBID pages (see References).

Reference Links (Source Pages)

• San Luis Obispo County – Licensing Vacation Rentals: www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/auditor-controller-treasurer-tax-collector-public/tax-collector/services/licensing-vacation-rentals
• SLO County – Tax Collector (Contact/General Info): www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax-Collector/Tax-Collector.aspx
• SLO County – Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax-Collector/Tax-Collector/Services/Transient-Occupancy-Tax-%28Hotel-Tax%29.aspx
• SLO County – Tourism Marketing District (TMD): www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax-Collector/Tax-Collector/Services/Tourism-Marketing-District.aspx
• SLO County – Business License Forms: www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax-Collector/Forms-Documents/Business-License/Application-for-Business-License.aspx
• SLO County – Vacation Rental Zoning Clearance (Inland): www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Planning-Building/Business-License,-Home-Occupation,-and-Vacation-R/Vacation-Rental-Zoning-Clearance.aspx
• SLO County – Vacation Rental Forms & Documents (Coastal/Inland): www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/planning-building/forms-documents/vacation-rental-forms-and-documents
• SLO County – Coastal Vacation Rental Clearance: www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Planning-Building/How-to-Apply-for-a-Permit-in-Unincorporated-SLO-Co/Land-Use,-Subdivision,-Zoning/Land-Use-Permit/Business-License-Clearance/Vacation-Rental-Zoning-Clearance/Coastal-Vacation-Rental-Clearance.aspx
• Airbnb Help: San Luis Obispo County, CA (Unincorporated Areas): www.airbnb.com/help/article/2125
• SLO County Vacation Rental Guide (PDF): www.prcity.com/DocumentCenter/View/15290/February-24-2015---San-Luis-County-Short-Term-Rental-Guide-PDF
• County Planning & Building – Permit Center information and general contact: see References (links to the department page and PermitSLO portal)
• County of San Luis Obispo – County Government Center (Mailing/Physical Address): www.google.com/maps/place/1055+Monterey+St,+San+Luis+Obispo,+CA+93408

Key Takeaway for Investors: Nipomo is a go‑market under San Luis Obispo County’s unincorporated rules. Expect a two‑department process (Planning & Building + Tax Collector), 9% TOT + 1% TMD, clear documentation requirements (site/floor plans, neighbor notices, Will‑Serve Letters, emergency contact), on‑site parking, and strict listing compliance (display your County Business License number). Confirm fees and any additional assessments (e.g., TBID) before filing.