City Watch
Short-term rental rules in San Simeon, CA
How San Simeon regulates short-term rentals: the rules that apply, their sources, and pending changes.
Short-term rentals here operate under a registration or permit system with ongoing operating rules.
- Discretionary use permit (coastal zone)
Based on: SLO County Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance (Title 23); Coastal Residential Vacation Rental Ordinance User Guide
Summary of the rule
Unincorporated San Simeon is in the SLO County Coastal Zone but OUTSIDE the four named urban reserve lines (Cambria/Cayucos/Avila Beach/Los Osos) that §23.08.165 subjects to STR separation/cap standards. Per county permit guidance, a vacation rental here requires a discretionary Minor Use Permit (coastal). This is an STR-specific discretionary PROCESS (heavier than the inland ministerial clearance) but carries NO enumerated numeric cap, density, or separation supply limit.
View the ordinance source ↗✓ Verified
Last reviewed Sep 10, 2026 · Sources · Report an error
Pending legislation
Monitoring San Simeon · system last checked Oct 26, 2026
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City Watch tracks changes from public sources — council agendas, state bills, local news — not a complete legal compendium.
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City Watch provides good-faith summaries of publicly available information as of the review date shown. Rules, enforcement, and permit availability can change, and summaries may contain errors or omissions. Ratings describe the general regulatory environment; they do not establish whether a particular property or stay is permitted. This is general information, not legal advice. Before buying, listing, or hosting, verify applicable requirements with the responsible authorities and review any HOA, condominium, deed, or lease restrictions.