Do I need a license to operate a short-term rental in Oceanside, CA?

Yes, Oceanside requires an STR license or permit to operate a short-term rental.

How strictly does Oceanside enforce short-term rental regulations?

Oceanside has high enforcement of STR regulations. Fines can reach up to $5,000 per violation.

How many guests can stay at a short-term rental in Oceanside?

The maximum occupancy for a short-term rental in Oceanside is 2 guests.

How often must I renew my Oceanside short-term rental license?

STR licenses in Oceanside renew annual.

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Oceanside, CA STR Regulations 2026 | HostReady

Oceanside, CA

Short-Term Rental Regulations

High EnforcementModerate Risk Market

Risk Score

License

Required

Max fine

$5,000

Our data does not show a city-level STR ordinance for Oceanside, CA, but that does not mean the property is unregulated.
California has no state preemption of short-term rentals, meaning cities have broad authority to ban STRs, cap permits, require licenses, and restrict rental frequency.
There is no state-level lodging tax, but local Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) applies.
Contact the City of Oceanside directly to confirm any local STR permit, tax, or operational requirements before hosting.

We watch Oceanside's short-term rental rules and alert you the moment they change. Check your address free, then $8.25/month, billed annually to keep it monitored.

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Legislative Activity

SB 1318: Coastal resources: local coastal program: coastal development permit: non-owner-occupied short-term rentals.

Senate - May 14 hearing: Held in committee and under submission.. Session: 20252026.

proposed5/14/2026

AB 1953: Short-term rentals: emergencies and special events.

Assembly - In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.. Session: 20252026.

proposed4/6/2026

AB 2364: Short-Term Rental Facilitator Act of 2025.

Assembly - From printer. May be heard in committee March 22.. Session: 20252026.

proposed2/20/2026

SB 346: Local agencies: transient occupancy taxes: short-term rental facilitator.

Senate - Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 751, Statutes of 2025.. Session: 20252026.

passed10/13/2025

At a Glance

Last verified todayVerified from 8 sources

STR License

Yes

Parking Required

Yes

Permit Cap

Limited permits

Enforcement

High

Potential Fines

$1,000 to $5,000

Permit Status

Accepting

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We recorded 178 short-term rental rule changes across 72 US markets in the last 30 days.

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Oceanside is a high-enforcement market - fines reach $5,000 per violation

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8 verified answers for Oceanside, each backed by a citation

License required
Maximum fine
Occupancy limit
Enforcement level
Signage required
Local contact required
Permit transferable
Parking requirement

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Oceanside is actively enforced and fines reach $5,000 per violation.

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Oceanside, CA Regulations Guide

Licensing and Permits

Oceanside requires hosts to obtain an STR license or permit before listing their property on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. The city caps STR permits at 480.

Enforcement

Oceanside has high enforcement of STR regulations. Operating without proper licensing or failing to comply with local regulations can result in citations, fines, and potential loss of your permit.

Get the full Oceanside compliance guide

Tax rates, platform collection details, occupancy limits, operational requirements, and more.

Compiled from 8 official government sources and continuously monitored for changes. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before making investment or operational decisions.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before making investment or operational decisions.

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Curious how Oceanside compares nationally? See the strictest and most welcoming US cities for short-term rentals.

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Citation receipts

9 cited facts for Oceanside5 confirmed by 3+ sources · 1 cross-checked

Every fact below is taken from the issuing authority's own text. Open a quote to read it verbatim, or follow the source to read it on their page.

Licensing

1 fact

What the license is calledOperational Permit
Oceanside municipal code
checked 3 months ago
›Read the wording
“An operational permit is required to operate a short-term rental that also meets the requirements for a City of Oceanside permit.”

Limits on how you rent

2 facts

Minimum stay4 sources2 nights
Oceanside municipal code
checked 3 months ago
›Read the wording
“All short-term rental offerings and agreements shall have a minimum two-night consecutive stay.”
Maximum guests2
Oceanside municipal code
checked 3 months ago
›Read the wording
“The maximum number of occupants allowed to occupy the short-term rental unit shall be limited to two (2) people per bedroom plus two (2) people per unit.”

What you have to provide

4 facts

Local contact required3 sourcesYes
Oceanside municipal code
checked 3 months ago
›Read the wording
“The owner or the owner's authorized agent, identified in the application for a short-term rental permit, shall be available twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, to respond to complaints pursuant to this section 24.7(f) concerning the condition, operation or conduct of occupants of the short-term rental unit or their guests.”
Inspection required3 sourcesYes
Oceanside municipal code
checked 3 months ago
›Read the wording
“An initial property inspection of the short-term rental property is required when the short-term rental permit application is received by the city.”
Off-street parking requiredYes
Oceanside municipal code
checked 3 months ago

Enforcement

2 facts

Maximum fine3 sources$5,000
Oceanside municipal code
checked 3 months ago
›Read the wording
“The civil penalties for violations of this chapter that pose a threat to public health or safety shall be one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500.00) for a first violation, three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) for a second violation within one (1) year of the prior violation, and five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) for each additional violation within one (1) year of the first violation.”
Minimum fineCorroborated$1,000
Oceanside municipal code
checked 3 months ago
›Read the wording
“Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1000.00).”