Short Term Rental (STR) License

The total number of STR licenses allowable in unincorporated Marin County is limited to one thousand two hundred, not including STR licenses in Dillon Beach. The following townships have a limited number of STR licenses available. (See Marin County Code 5.41.070 – Caps on the number of short term rental licenses) 

• Bolinas
• Dillon Beach
• Fallon
• Forest Knolls
• Inverness
• Lagunitas
• Marshall
• Muir Beach
• Muir Woods Park
• Nicasio
• Olema
• Petaluma
• Point Reyes Station
• San Geronimo
• Stinson Beach
• Tomales
• Valley Ford
• Woodacre 

• New STR License Application (Flat fee $600): This applies to new STRs and existing STRs with a business license and TOT certificate where the dwelling is not lived in as the primary dwelling for at least six months each year.
• New Primary Home STR License Application (Flat fee $300): This applies to new and existing STRs with a business license and TOT Certificate where a person lives for at least six months each year.
• STR License Renewal Application (Flat fee $300): This applies to the renewal of a STR License (not a primary home). The permit shall be renewed every two years after the initial STR license is issued.
• Primary Home STR License Renewal Application (Flat fee $150): This applies to the renewal of a Primary Home STR License. The permit shall be renewed every two years after the initial Primary Home STR license is issued.
• STR License Waitlist Registration (Flat fee $50 annually): The Community Development Agency will maintain wait lists for STR licenses in townships where the number of license applicants exceeds the number of available licenses, as well as county-wide when the total number of license applicants exceeds the number of available licenses county-wide.

• Please note that this standard does not apply to short-term rentals that are legally operated as of January 1, 2024.
• The number of required parking spaces for STR shall comply with Marin County Code Section 24.04.340 - Minimum Required Parking Spaces.
• Parking for STR shall comply with Marin County Code Section 24.04.380 -Dimensional Standards, as verified by the Department of Public Works. 

• Check out the Transient Occupancy Tax portal to search for active STRs and access other data.

• Workshop - Marin County Planning Commission - June 12, 2023 – 12:59 pm
• Workshop - Marin County Planning Commission - October 23, 2023 – 1:00 pm
• Meeting - Marin County Planning Commission - November 13, 2023 – 1:00 pm
• Meeting - Marin County Board of Supervisors - January 11, 2024 – 5:00 pm
• Meeting - Marin County Board of Supervisors - May 7, 2024 – 1:30pm
• Meeting - Marin County Board of Supervisors - June 25, 2024 

First, review the commercial lodging use table  and see if the use is permitted in your zoning district. 

Then, find the Acknowledgement of Zoning Requirements for your use. If your operation meets the specified standards, please complete the form and return it to us . When it is time to renew your business license and TOT certificate, you will need to provide a copy of the form to the Finance Department.

Acknowledgment of Zoning Requirements – Agricultural Homestays

Acknowledgment of Zoning Requirements – Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs)

Acknowledgment of Zoning Requirements – Campgrounds (Coastal Zone)

Acknowledgment of Zoning Requirements – Campgrounds (Non-Coastal)

Acknowledgment of Zoning Requirements – Hotels or Motels

If you have a STR on an agricultural property that is exempt from STR License requirements, fill out this form and return it to us .