Short-Term Rental Regulations · San Luis Obispo County, CA
Is Cayucos short-term-rental friendly?
Yes, with county clearance. Cayucos is an unincorporated San Luis Obispo County community, so county rules apply: a Vacation Rental Zoning Clearance, County Business License, and Transient Occupancy Tax Certificate. A location standard also applies, and a Minor Use Permit can modify it.
Last updated: . Every fact links to its official source.
Town-by-town rules
| Town | Permit required? | Annual cost | Primary-residence / night-cap limits | Lodging tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cayucos | A vacation rental in Cayucos requires a Vacation Rental Zoning Clearance, County Business License, and Transient Occupancy Tax Certificate when it complies with the Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance. A Minor Use Permit can modify the location standard. (SLO County coastal vacation rental user guide (opens in a new tab), SLO County vacation rentals (opens in a new tab)) | The cited sources confirm an annual review fee beginning January 2026 but do not state the current Cayucos-specific amount. (SLO County vacation rentals (opens in a new tab)) | No primary-residence requirement or annual rental-night cap was found in the cited materials. The official guide states a maximum of two occupants per bedroom plus two additional occupants, subject to on-site parking and other standards. A 24-hour local contact and 200-foot neighbor notification are required. (SLO County coastal vacation rental user guide (opens in a new tab)) | SLO County lodging businesses collect 9% TOT, plus a 1.5% Tourism Marketing District assessment and, depending on location, a 2% Tourism Business Improvement District assessment. The source presents 10.5% or 12.5% combined components depending on location. (SLO County transient occupancy tax (opens in a new tab)) |
"Not found" means the restriction was not located in the linked official materials reviewed as of the update date. It does not prove that no later, uncodified, parcel-specific, or special-district rule applies.
Good to know
- Cayucos: Cayucos is an unincorporated SLO County community, so County rules apply. It is not a separate incorporated city. (SLO County coastal vacation rental user guide (opens in a new tab))
FAQ
Which government regulates Cayucos vacation rentals?
San Luis Obispo County regulates this unincorporated community, including coastal zoning clearance, business licensing, and tax registration.
What lodging taxes are stated?
The County states 9% TOT plus 1.5% TMD, with a further 2% TBID where applicable. Confirm the property assessment district before quoting a combined rate.
Does Cayucos use city rules?
Cayucos is an unincorporated SLO County community. County zoning clearance, business license, and tax rules apply.
What should be verified before listing?
Verify the parcel jurisdiction, zoning or license availability, current fees, tax registration, occupancy, parking, local contact, and any HOA or private restrictions.
General information, not legal advice. Short-term rental rules change, so verify current requirements with the jurisdiction before listing.