Short Term Rental Regulations Being Considered for Unincorporated Marin

Board of Supervisors to Consider STR Regulations January 11, 2024, at 5 p.m.

Board of Supervisors Chambers, Marin County Civic Center or by zoom https://www.marincounty.org/depts/bs/meeting-archive

Marin County has regulated Short Term Rentals (STRs) for the unincorporated areas of the County since 2018. These regulations required “good neighbor” actions around issues such as noise, as well as licensing requirements and the collection of transient occupancy tax (TOT). In 2022, in response to growing concerns in West Marin communities about impacts of STRs on the availability of housing for workforce, families, and community members, the Board of Supervisors placed a temporary moratorium on the issuance of new STR licenses in West Marin.

There is currently a total of 923 licensed STRs in unincorporated Marin -- 551 in the Coastal Zone/west Marin, and 372 in eastern Marin. The staff recommended proposal would cap the total number of STRs to licenses currently issued, essentially preserving the status quo, except for Seadrift and Dillon Beach, where the cap would be raised to allow for additional licenses.

The Ordinance would also put in place regulations around water use, wastewater disposal, emergency preparedness and evacuation, and parking capacity. Anyone wishing to operate an STR would need to apply for a license, demonstrate that they meet the required standards, and renew their license on a periodic basis. Those currently operating legally registered STRs would get the first opportunity to obtain licenses under the new regulations and would be eligible for relief from certain proposed new standards (e.g., parking), although new standards related to health and safety will apply to all STR operations.

To date there have been numerous meetings throughout the county, opportunities to comment, and two planning commission hearings. Next Thursday, January 11, the Board will consider adopting regulations. A coastal program amendment reflecting the adopted regs will need to go before the Coastal Commission for review and approval before formal adoption of the implementing ordinance by the Board of Supervisors. To learn more, see the Staff report, draft ordinance, background materials (item #1 on the meeting agenda). Please feel free to reach out with questions or comments.