SLO County Short-Term Rental Ordinances
STRs / LESS THAN 30 DAYS
Navigating short-term rental regulations in San Luis Obispo County means dealing with a patchwork of city-specific rules, permit caps, waitlists, and fee structures—and they change more often than most people expect. This page is a working reference for property owners researching what’s permitted where. Information is current as of October 2025; always verify directly with the relevant city or county department before making any decisions.
Incorporated Cities
STR – a stay of fewer than 30 days in a property that is not owner-occupied
Homeshare – the owner lives on the property and rents out a portion as a short-term rental
Arroyo Grande
STR waitlist
Homeshare Home can’t be within 500 feet of another STR; $819 + business license $34/yr
Atascadero
STR & Homeshare $189/yr
Grover Beach
STR waitlist
Homeshare $275/yr + business license $64/yr
Morro Bay
STR waitlist
Homeshare on hold
Paso Robles
STR waitlist
Homeshare $300 (1 br) or $550 (2+ br) for 3-year term
Pismo Beach
STR & Homeshare waitlist for residential areas; Vacation Rental permits available in Downtown Business District for $796.95/yr
San Luis Obispo
STR not allowed
Homeshare $3,051.99/yr + business license $126.89/yr
Unincorporated SLO County Communities
Properties in unincorporated areas of SLO County follow a different process than incorporated cities. You’ll need two separate approvals:
Land Use Authorization through the County Planning & Building Department — $436 for inland zones, $670 for coastal zones. If a Minor Use Permit is also required, fees will be significantly higher. These are one-time fees and transfer to new property owners at sale.
County Business License and TOT Certificate through the County Tax Collector — $49/yr.
Plan for the full process to take 3–6 months.
Adelaida
Avila Beach
Baywood Park
Cambria
Cayucos
Edna
Harmony
Heritage Ranch
Huasna
Los Osos
Nipomo
Oceano
Pozo
San Miguel
San Simeon
Santa Margarita
Shandon
Shell Beach
Templeton
Need help with the permit process?
I can help you apply for your Land Use Authorization and Business License through the county—but I’m not able to determine in advance whether a Minor Use Permit will be required for your property. If a MUP does come up, I have a trusted local company I refer clients to for that process. Contact me to get started or get connected.