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National City · Renting & eviction

Short-term rentals in National City

National City's own rules on short-term rentals, with the code text for every value.

Ask about short-term rentals in National City See coverage

Each rule below links to the section of the National City Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (extracted October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What National City's code says

National City code What National City's code adds
Allowed
  • Yes, if all short-term rental rules are met.
    Applies: In zones and specific plans that allow residential uses.
    § 6.30.030 · code text
    Short-term rentals that comply with all requirements of this chapter are allowed in zones and specific plans in the city that permit residential uses.
Cap on rentals
  • No more than 180 short-term rental units in the city.
    Applies: Citywide; no more than 45 in each City Council district.
    § 6.30.030 · code text
    A maximum of one hundred eighty Short-Term Rental units shall be permitted in the city with no more than forty-five such units being located per designated City Council District.
  • No more than 45 short-term rental units.
    Applies: In each City Council district.
    § 6.30.030 · code text
    A maximum of one hundred eighty Short-Term Rental units shall be permitted in the city with no more than forty-five such units being located per designated City Council District.
Permit or registration
  • A short-term rental permit, a business license and a transient occupancy registration certificate.
    Applies: Needed before renting or advertising a short-term rental.
    § 6.30.060 · code text
    Prior to renting or advertising the availability of a Short-Term Rental, the Owner or their Agent shall obtain: (1) a business license pursuant to Chapter 6.04 of this code; (2) a transient occupancy registration certificate pursuant to Chapter 4.32 of this code; and (3) a Short-Term Rental permit pursuant to this chapter.

Who this affects

TenantsLandlordsProperty managers

Frequently asked questions

Can I rent out my home short-term in National City?

National City's code: Yes, if all short-term rental rules are met. (In zones and specific plans that allow residential uses.) (§ 6.30.030); No more than 180 short-term rental units in the city. (Citywide; no more than 45 in each City Council district.) (§ 6.30.030).

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how National City's short-term rentals rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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