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To become a compliant Short-Term Renter (STR), please read the FAQs carefully. To summarize, you need to do the following four things as outlined in more detail in the FAQs: First, register as a TOT operator who files taxes. Second, apply for and obtain a business license in the City. Third, after you have registered for TOT and obtained a business license, you need to apply for and obtain a STR Permit. Fourth, once you have been issued a STR Permit, you may advertise, rent as a STR, collect taxes from your guests and remit the taxes to the City on a quarterly basis.


To get started, please select one of the online activities below:
Apply
Renew
Pay
  • Pay a Balance Due

    Start here to pay a balance due on an established account. Please do not use this option to begin the permit renewal process.

Close
  • Close a Permit Account

    Start here if you do not plan to operate or conduct any business activity in the City.

Other
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Frequently Asked Questions

A STR is a residential property that is advertised or rented to guests for 30 days or less in the City. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), tiny homes, in-law suites, or anything of the kind are not considered STRs and are not legal to operate in the City as a STR.

You need to do four things. First, register as a TOT operator who files taxes. Second, apply for and obtain a business license in the City. Third, after you have registered for TOT and obtained a business license, you need to apply for and obtain a STR Permit. Fourth, once you have been issued a STR Permit, you may advertise, rent as a STR, collect taxes from your guests and remit the taxes to the City on a quarterly basis.

  • Please visit our website: pacifica.hdlgov.com
  • Find the section “TOT Portal” and click “Go to TOT Portal.”
  • Find and click “Respond to a Notice of Non-Compliance.”
  • Enter your Account Number and PIN (from the letter we mailed)
  • Complete registration form

If you are unable to register online, please contact the TOT Processing Center at (650) 290-6303 or email us at PacificaTOT@hdlgov.com. Please include your name and property address in any email.

Note: after reading this, if you wish to close your STR business, you may do so by cancelling all bookings, taking down all ads, and emailing us your intention to close.

Registering as a TOT operator is free. Business Licenses typically cost $44, but may be more, depending on how much you rent. The Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit fee is $1,622 per year, expiring October 31st of each year; and there is no proration of this amount.

Only 150 STRs are allowed to rent to guests for 30 days or less in the City. If the cap is met and you register, you will be placed on a waitlist. Once on the waitlist you must wait your turn to rent as a STR and must not advertise or rent short term until you have obtained a STR Permit and Business License.

Anyone who is renting or advertising short-term (30 days or less) within the City needs a STR Permit. If you intend to advertise and rent more than one property short-term, you must obtain a STR License for each property. See the top question about becoming a compliant STR above for more details.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), tiny homes, in-law suites, or anything of the kind are not considered STRs and are not legal to operate in the City as a STR, renting to guests for 30 days or less. To encourage and support affordable housing in the City ADUs must operate as long-term rentals. For specific questions

Yes. Each property within the City must be permitted separately.

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) is a tax on people who pay for lodging in the City on a short-term basis, 30 days or less. A person stays in the City for more than 30 days is a long-term occupant and not a transient guest.

For the privilege of occupancy in any Hotel or Short-Term Rental, the City of Pacifica’s TOT rate is 12% of the rent charged to a transient guest. Taxable rent includes room rate, cleaning fees, and other charges directly associated with the room.

All transient guests who stay in hotels or Short-Term Rentals pay TOT. It is a tax on guests. Owners/Operators pay TOT only when they have failed to collect it from guests.

Each year, STR Permits are due for renewal by October 31st. Your Business License must be renewed by this date as well. Please visit pacifica.hdlgov.com and visit both the Business License Portal and STR Permit Portal. In both locations, select the Renew option. You will need both your Business License and STR Permit account numbers and PINs. If you don’t have these, please request them at the email below. HdL sends a renewal email notice with this information.

The cost to renew your Business License is typically $44.00, and the cost to renew your STR Permit is $1,622.00.

If you are unable to renew online, please contact the TOT Processing Center at (650) 290-6303 or email us at PacificaTOT@hdlgov.com. Please include your name and property address in any email. Note: after reading this, if you wish to close your STR business and not renew, you may do so by cancelling all bookings, taking down all ads, and emailing us your intention to close.