Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Paso Robles?

YES, short-term rentals are allowed in Paso Robles, CA. The city explicitly permits short-term rentals (defined as rentals of less than 30 days) through a structured permit system. However, there are important limitations and requirements that investors must understand before entering this market.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Paso Robles

Step 1: Determine Your Permit Type

Paso Robles distinguishes between two primary types of short-term rentals:

Homeshare Permits:

• Owner-occupied properties where the owner resides on-site during guest stays
• No numerical limit on homeshare permits
• Owner may be absent for a maximum of 10 days during guest occupancy (if authorized agent is designated)

Non-Hosted Accommodation Permits:

• Properties where the owner does not reside during guest stays
• Currently at capacity - new applications are placed on a waiting list
• May operate as a homeshare when the owner is present

Step 2: Submit Permit Application

1. Download the STR permit application packet
2. Email completed application with supporting documents to str@prcity.com
3. Pay non-refundable application fee (3-year term):
   • $300 for one-bedroom homeshare
   • $550 for two or more-bedroom homeshare or non-hosted accommodation

Step 3: Obtain Business License

Apply for business license tax certificate through:

• Online: pasopermits.com
• In-person: 821 Pine Street, Suite A, Paso Robles, CA 93446
• Download application: Business License Tax Certificate Application

Step 4: Renewal Process

• Permits must be renewed annually through pasopermits.com
• Renewal fees: $300 for one-bedroom homeshares, $550 for all other short-term rentals
• Submit updated neighbor notification letters within 10 days of renewal

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Permit Requirements

Short-Term Rental Permit:

• Completed application packet
• Supporting documentation (specific requirements vary by property type)
• Proof of legal residential use
• Agent designation form (if applicable)

Business License Tax Certificate:

• Business license application
• Applicable fees
• Registration for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)

Supporting Documentation

• Site plan showing parking locations
• Floor plan with room designations
• Property ownership verification
• Agent contact information (if applicable)
• Insurance verification
• Good Neighbor Brochure acknowledgment

Tax Requirements

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT):

• Collected from guests (percentage varies)
• Remitted to city finance department
• Tourism Marketing District assessment may apply

Specific Regulations

Zoning and Capacity Limits

Current Permit Status (as of 9/24/2025):

• R1 Zone: 79 permits issued (limited to 75), 52 on waitlist
• All Other Zones: 246 permits issued, 32 on waitlist
• Citywide Total: 325 permits issued, 84 on waitlist

Operational Requirements

Occupancy Limits:

• Maximum occupants determined by bedroom count
• Based on California Building Code standards
• Enforced through permit conditions

Parking Requirements:

• Minimum on-site parking requirements apply
• Varies by property type and zoning district
• Must be clearly designated on site plan

Separation Requirements:

• R-1 Single-family zones: Minimum 100 feet between non-hosted STR units
• Other zones: No separation requirement specified

Neighbor Notification:

• Notify all properties within 100 feet (increased from original 50-foot requirement)
• Submit notification list to str@prcity.com
• Required within 10 days of permit renewal

Hotline Requirements:

• Maintain 24/7 hotline contact availability
• Respond to complaints within 30 minutes
• Violations may result in permit revocation

Prohibited Activities

• Exterior signage for short-term rentals
• Operation in unpermitted structures
• Rental periods exceeding 30 days
• Violation of Good Neighbor Brochure guidelines

County and State Regulations

San Luis Obispo County Requirements

For properties in unincorporated SLO County (outside Paso Robles city limits):

• County Business License: Required for all vacation rentals
• Land Use Authorization: Must be obtained from County Planning and Building
• TOT Registration: Required with County Tax Collector
• Annual license fee: $50 (lower renewal fees in subsequent years)

California State Requirements

• Compliance with California Building Code standards
• Adherence to state health and safety regulations
• Proper insurance coverage
• ADA compliance where applicable

Contact Information

City of Paso Robles - Primary Contacts

Community Development/Planning Department:

• Phone: (805) 237-3970
• Email: str@prcity.com
• Address: 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446
• Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Short-Term Rental Complaint Hotline:

• Phone: (805) 227-7224
• Emergency: 911

Administrative Services (Business Licenses):

• Address: 821 Pine Street, Suite A, Paso Robles, CA 93446
• Phone: (805) 237-3970
• Online Portal: pasopermits.com

San Luis Obispo County Contacts

Tax Collector (for unincorporated areas):

• Phone: (805) 781-5831
• Address: 1055 Monterey St. Rm D-290, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408

Planning and Building Department:

• Phone: (805) 781-5600
• Website: slocounty.ca.gov/planning-building

Links to Source Pages

Official City Resources

1. City of Paso Robles - Short-Term Rentals Page
2. STR Permit Application Packet
3. Ordinance No. 1120 - Current STR Ordinance
4. Planning Commission STR Amendment Report
5. Business License Application

County Resources

6. SLO County Vacation Rental Licensing
7. County Planning & Building Department
8. SLO County Short-Term Rental Guide (2015)

Additional Resources

9. Neighbor Notification Template
10. Good Neighbor Brochure
11. City Council Resolution 19-077

Permitting Systems

12. Online Permit Renewal Portal
13. Business License Online Portal

Important Note: Regulations may change. Always verify current requirements with the City Planning Department before making investment decisions. The city updates permit status regularly, and waiting list positions may change frequently.