Skip to content
Taxes›California›San Mateo County›Pacifica

Pacifica
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

Start with the recorded local taxes and permit overview for Pacifica, California. Check the current requirements for your exact address.

What you need to do in Pacifica

Checked against the source
  1. No action
    Short-term rentals are allowed in Pacifica

    STR permit required: Ord 901 (adopted 8/11/2025, non-coastal zone) and Ord 888 (2023, coastal zone). $1,704/yr permit + $263 inspection fee outside Coastal Zone.

  2. To do
    Get the Pacifica short-term rental license or registration

    Fee: $1,704/yr permit + $263 inspection fee outside Coastal Zone. Rule: Ord 901.

  3. To do
    Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com collect the 15% Pacifica occupancy tax for you

    That is per the record. On direct bookings, you collect and remit it yourself.

  4. To confirm
    Find out how often you file and when returns are due

    The record gives no filing schedule. Ask the tax office how often you file and when returns are due.

Verify each step with the authority before you file or apply. Source

Get reminders for your Pacifica filing dates

Save your rental and its filing dates for free. Starter and Pro email you before each saved date, and when a published rule change for Pacifica affects your rental.

Create a free account

What to know.

STR permit required: Ord 901 (adopted 8/11/2025, non-coastal zone) and Ord 888 (2023, coastal zone). $1,704/yr permit + $263 inspection fee outside Coastal Zone. The published guide for Pacifica lists 15% local occupancy tax. A license or registration is required. Fee: $1,704/yr permit + $263 inspection fee outside Coastal Zone.

At a glance.

Local tax
15%
State tax
Local only
License
Required
Local filing
Platform collects
SourceSources & confidenceHow we researchReport a problem with this page

Tax details

Exemptions, penalties, filing information, and effective dates from the linked sources.

Pacifica: Recorded exemptions

Pacifica official TOT page (cityofpacifica.org, verified 2026-10-12): TOT collected by hotel operators and submitted monthly to the Finance Department via the TOT Submittal Form; official Exemption Form exists for government officers/employees on official business (per PMC Title 3 Ch. 7 Transient Occupancy Code). Filed rate 1500 not positively confirmed in 3 attempts : council discussed (May 2023) raising 12%->15% but the outcome was not verified

Pacifica: Recorded remittance instructions

HdL STR/TOT portal (pacifica.hdlgov.com) or City Finance

Source for these notes: cityofpacifica.org: transient occupancy tax

Platform tax collection guidance for Pacifica

Collection is shown separately for each booking channel. Direct-booking taxes are paid by the host.

PlatformStateLocal
AirbnbNonePlatform collects
VrboNonePlatform collects
Booking.comNonePlatform collects
DirectNoneYou collect and remit

Platform collects means the platform pays that tax. You collect and remit means you pay it. Collection details unavailable identifies a missing answer for that channel. Filing duties are listed separately.

Your next steps

  • Get the required license or registration

    Apply before you list. Fee: $1,704/yr permit + $263 inspection fee outside Coastal Zone.

  • Collection of the 15% local tax

    Platforms collect this tax. You collect and remit tax on direct bookings.

  • File your tax returns

    Find out how often you file and when returns are due. The record gives no filing schedule. Ask the tax office how often you file and when returns are due.

Sources & confidence

How we collect and check this information · Report a problem with this page

FigureValueSourceStatus
Pacifica occupancy tax15%
Source
Source linked
California local lodging tax guidanceLocally administered
Source
Source linked
Licensing recordRequired
Source
Source linked
Official sources for the taxes and permit requirements shown above.

Pacifica STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my Pacifica occupancy taxes?

Airbnb collects this tax. You collect and remit tax on direct bookings.

Do I need a license to Airbnb in Pacifica?

A license or registration is required. Fee: $1,704/yr permit + $263 inspection fee outside Coastal Zone.

What happens if I don't file?

Penalties and interest depend on the tax and authority. Check the applicable rules and contact the authority about any missed filings or payments.

How often do I file?

Find out how often you file and when returns are due. The record gives no filing schedule. Ask the tax office how often you file and when returns are due.