Short-Term Residential Rental (STRR)

What is a Short-Term Residential Rental (STRR)?

A STRR means the transient occupancy use of entire dwelling unit or a portion (such an individual bedroom or equivalent sleeping room of a dwelling unit to a guest for a rental period of less than thirty consecutive calendar days.

Are STRR's permitted in the City of San Bruno?

Yes, according to Chapter 12.270 of the San Bruno Municipal Code, STRR's are permitted only in the following types of units for durations of less than thirty consecutive calendar days: 

1. Hosted Unit– owner-occupied dwelling unit where at least one property owner physically occupies the unit as their sole primary residence. There is no maximum annual usage limit for utilization as a STRR (No more than three individual bedrooms may be rented at any given time).
2. Non-Hosted Unit – an entire dwelling unit may be utilized for STRR use subject to an annual usage limit of no more than 120 calendar days per calendar year.
3. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) – an ADU legally established prior to September 25, 2020, where the primary single-family dwelling unit is owner occupied may be utilized for STRR use subject to an annual usage limit of no more than 120 calendar days per calendar year. ADU's legally created after September 25, 2020, can only be rented for minimum of 30 consecutive days or longer. 

How To Become a STRR Host

Below are the three steps on how to become a host and to operate and maintain a STRR in San Bruno:

1. MEET HOST REQUIREMENTS
   1. Be the permanent resident. Applicants must provide evidence of owner occupancy for the primary dwelling unit.
   2. Have property liability insurance. Applicants must provide evidence of liability insurance for the STRR unit.
   3. Obtain a short-term residential rental zoning permit. Application fee is $1,375. Send the STRR application form, proof of owner occupancy and insurance to Planning@sanbruno.ca.gov.
   4. Apply for a business license. Apply online at https://sanbruno.hdlgov.com/ or by calling 650-273-4371.
2. HAVE A COMPLIANT DWELLING UNIT
   1. Have an appropriate unit. The STRR must be located and operated in a permitted type of unit – single-family, two-family or duplex or multiple-family dwelling unit.
   2. Must be compliant with all codes and safety regulations. Building and Fire inspection is required before permit issuance (inspection required every two years). All inspections must pass for your STRR permit to be issued. Reinspection is necessary for failed items. For safety regulation queries, call 650-616-7074. STRR inspections are only on Thursdays, 1:30 – 4:30 PM. To schedule, call 650-616-7038 by Tuesday, 1 PM, on the desired inspection week.
   3. Resolve any code violations. If during inspection, a Building or Fire inspector identifies any code violation, a separate Building Permit application shall be applied for to legalize the issue. Your STRR permit will not be issued until all code violations are resolved. 
3. STAY COMPLIANT
   1. Comply with annual rental duration limits and bedroom limits. 
   2. Comply with all operational standards. 
   3. Collect and remit all applicable city taxes. Pay Transient occupancy taxes (TOT) and business license taxes owed associated with the STRR. 
   4. Renew short-term residential rental zoning permit every two years. Submit payment of the required permit renewal fee and renewal application form prior to the renewal date (December 31^st of the year issued).
   5. Renew city issued business license annually. Business License Center will reach out.

STRR Operational Standards

All STRR's in the City of San Bruno must comply with the following operational standards: 

1. Advertising – All advertising for a STRR shall include the number of the permit granted for the use.
2. Local contact information – provide a local contact person who shall be available 24/7 during non-hosted stays to accept any complaints and is required to respond within sixty minutes to complaints and be fully authorized to take remedial action to resolve such complaints.
3. Special Events – parties, for-profit commercial uses, or corporate events on the property are prohibited.
4. Noise – operation of the STRR unit must comply with the city noise ordinance.
5. Parking – no additional parking shall be required for STRR’s. Existing on-site parking spaces shall be made available for short-term rental occupants.

Questions?

Please contact the Planning Division at Planning@sanbruno.ca.gov or 650-616-7074.