Short-term rental rules in Imperial Beach

Limited

Banned in residential zones; allowed only in commercial and mixed-use zones.

Verified Oct 20, 2026 · confidence medium · rules change, so confirm with the city before you buy.

Homes for sale on parcels in Imperial Beach today

75 active listings

Homes for sale on the MLS (no land, rentals or 55+ communities), by the status of each home's parcel under these rules. Updated daily.

Who may host: The owner, with a business license and TOT registration.
Where: Commercial and mixed-use zones (C/MU-1, 2, 3) only.
Minimum stay: None set
Occupancy tax (TOT): 14%, paid by the guest
Cap: No cap.
When the home sells: No short-term permit to transfer.
Mid-term: Imperial Beach taxes stays of 30 days or less: a mid-term stay is 31+ nights.
Also: Many Imperial Beach listings advertise short-term rental use in residential zones, where it is not allowed.
Imperial Beach amended its commercial and mixed-use chapters on 2026-01-21; we have not read those amendments.

An HOA may ban rentals of 30 days or less (Civ. Code §4741). A city permit doesn't override the CC&Rs.

These rules apply to parcels in Imperial Beach, whatever the mailing address says. Check an address to see which rules apply to one home.

Verified Oct 20, 2026 · confidence medium. This is a summary, not legal advice.