Short-Term Lodging Operating License
San Clemente Municipal Code Section 3.24 requires a permit and an STLU operating license for every short-term lodging unit other than a hotel. To receive a STLU operating license, properties must comply with STLU zoning requirements in Municipal Code Section 17.28.292. To apply, property owners need to submit an application packet comprised of a non-refundable application fee of $105, a completed STLU Operating License Application, and required supplemental documentation described below. Application packets will be reviewed by staff for conditional approval. Property owners will be notified of conditional approval. At that time the property owner will then have 30 days to notify in writing all neighboring property owners within a 300 foot radius and submit a completed Neighboring Property Notification Form. STLU Operating Licenses will be issued once a Neighboring Property Notification Form is received.
*Permits will not be issued at time of application packet submission. Processing times will vary based on order received and staff review.
Supplemental Application Documentation
The following supplemental documents are required to be included in the application packet:
- Site plan of the property showing the layout of the home, including the bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Diagram or photograph showing the number and location of designated, legal off-street parking spaces.
- Fee Schedule: Please include the seasonal rates being charged for the STLU.
- If governed by a HOA, written approval by the HOA’s governing body of the proposed STLU use.
Each STLU owner/applicant, upon conditional acceptance of their application, shall have 30 days to submit the following documentation outlined in Condition 10 of the STLU Conditions listed on the second page of the STLU application.
- Neighboring Property Notice | Form distributed to all neighbors within a 300' radius of STLU property.
- Neighboring Property Certification Form | Signed by applicant and returned to Business License
Sample Application Documentation
The following links are examples of the application and supplemental documents:
- Sample STLU Application
- Sample Site Plan of the property showing the layout of the home, including the bedrooms.
- Sample Diagram or photograph showing the number and location of designated, legal off-street parking spaces.
- Sample Fee Schedule including the seasonal rates being charged for the STLU.
- Sample Homeowners Association Approval Form
- Sample Neighboring Property Notice
- Sample Neighboring Property Certification Form
Processing
The completed application packet may be mailed or submitted in person at:
City of San Clemente
Attn: Business License
910 Calle Negocio
San Clemente, CA 92673
*Permits will not be issued at time of application packet submission. Processing times will vary based on order received and staff review.
For Business License questions Call: (949) 361-6166 or Email: businesslicense@san-clemente.org
Hours of Operation
The Public Counter is staffed from 7:30 to 5:30 Monday to Thursday and 8:00 – 5:00 alternating Fridays.Public Counter is closed daily between 12:30pm and 2:30pm.
Transient Occupancy Tax
Vacation rentals are subject to a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax. All charges for the property use are subject to the 10% tax including the property rent, cleaning fees, key charges, etc. Returns are due quarterly, within 30 days of the end of each calendar quarter.
To File a quarterly Vacation Rental Property TOT Return, complete and mail the following form:
Return To:
City of San Clemente
910 Calle Negocio
San Clemente, CA 92673
Attn: Finance
Quarterly returns are due within 30 days of the end of each calendar quarter.
Exemption Form
An exemption for transient occupancy tax (TOT) may be granted for continuous stays of 29 days or longer at a registered vacation rental property. The form must be completed and signed by the occupant and property owner in advance of the occupancy to be eligible for the exemption. A copy of the form must be submitted with the quarterly Tax Return: