🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Pacifica, CA
After Years of Debate, Pacifica Passes Major Overhaul of STR Regulations
A Deep Dive into Your Area’s STR Updates — Helping You Navigate the Ever-Changing Rental Landscape
Pacifica Cracks Down on STRs After Three-Year Debate
After three years of debate, public meetings, and pushback from all sides, Pacifica’s City Council has officially passed a sweeping overhaul of its short-term rental (STR) regulations. The new rules—voted in on Monday—are expected to significantly reduce the number of STRs across the seaside city, targeting unhosted rentals and boosting enforcement.
At the heart of the ordinance is a major change: unhosted STRs are now capped at just 60 nights per year. Since most of Pacifica’s vacation rentals are unhosted, this single restriction alone could dramatically cut STR activity and city revenue. Officials expect a $500,000 drop in transient occupancy tax revenue next year as a result.
STRs will also no longer be allowed in accessory dwelling units (ADUs). That’s another big shift, especially for property owners who used ADUs to supplement income through Airbnb or Vrbo.
The ordinance includes a strike system for rule violations:
👉 mandatory safety inspections
👉 a designated 24/7 local contact
👉 quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
All STRs must now provide proof of insurance and meet new parking requirements: one parking spot per rented bedroom. The updated permit fee? A hefty $1,700.
Councilmembers said the changes are about protecting neighborhoods, not killing tourism.
“We’re hopeful we’re making some good changes that will improve our housing stock and community livability,” said Councilmember Christine Boles. She emphasized that Pacifica still welcomes tourists—just under tighter rules that “protect our neighborhoods.”
Not everyone is thrilled. One STR operator blasted the new policy as “one-size-fits-all,” arguing it punishes responsible hosts along with bad actors. “We’ve never had a complaint, yet we’re being penalized too,” he said during the final public hearing.
STRisker Updates Tracker
How do you keep up with the regulatory rollercoaster in your market? STRisker's Updates Tracker can be your guide - start tracking latest events as they happen and get access to essential documents as they come in. We know the struggle, which is why we built this product to capture every twist and turn in the regulatory saga so you never miss a beat.
Supporters, however, applauded the city’s measured approach. One Pedro Point resident said the ordinance is “one of the most well-researched and revised” efforts they’ve seen. Others praised the city for encouraging hosted STRs, which allow homeowners to share their homes responsibly while remaining present.
The new rules take effect in October, when current permits are due for renewal. In the coastal zone west of Highway 1, enforcement is delayed until the California Coastal Commission certifies the ordinance—a process expected to take up to a year.
Stay Updated with STRisker
STRisker offers tools and features to keep you updated with the Short-Term Rental movement across the U.S.
👍 We’d love your feedback.
We're always looking for ways to improve Bulletins.
Was this one useful to you? Other topics you'd like to see get covered?
✉️ Just reply directly to this email. We read and respond to every message!
-Will McClure
🙋 P.S.
Know someone else who should be reading this Bulletin? Feel free to forward this along. We want to make sure operators and stakeholders are aware of regulatory changes in their area.