Marin County issues short-term rental permits on a two-year cycle with differentiated fees for primary homes vs. non-primary properties. Some townships have reached permit density caps and maintain waitlists for new applicants.
Marin County's STR permit program is administered by the Marin County Community Development Agency. The program runs on a two-year permit cycle — unlike most U.S. jurisdictions which renew annually — which reduces the administrative burden for hosts but means planning ahead for the two-year renewal window.
The fee structure differentiates between primary home rentals and non-primary (investment) properties. As of the most recent publicly available fee schedule: new permits cost $300, primary home renewals are $150, and non-primary renewals are $300. This pricing creates a meaningful incentive for owner-occupants relative to investors.
Marin County has implemented density caps in certain unincorporated townships. If the cap in your township has been reached, your application is placed on a waitlist rather than processed immediately. Verify cap status with the Community Development Agency before purchasing a property with STR income as a primary financial assumption.
Call the Marin County Community Development Agency to confirm your parcel is in unincorporated county territory and that permits are currently available in your specific township or planning area.
Applications go to the Marin County Community Development Agency at 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, or online at marincounty.gov. Required: proof of ownership, insurance certificate (STR/vacation rental coverage), occupancy declaration, and the completed application form.
$300 for new applications. If applying as a primary home owner, confirm the primary home classification with the agency to ensure you receive the reduced $150 renewal rate in subsequent cycles.
No inspection is currently required at the county level for Marin STR permits. Processing time is typically 2–3 weeks once the application is complete.
Register with the Marin County Tax Collector separately. Marin County TOT applies to all short-term rentals in unincorporated areas.
Set your calendar reminder two months before your two-year permit expires. Gather an updated insurance certificate and submit the renewal application with the current fee. If your primary home status has changed (e.g., you moved out), notify the agency — your permit classification and fee may change.
This guide is informational only. Requirements in Marin County, California are subject to change. Always verify current requirements directly with the local planning or code enforcement office before applying.