Union City Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Union City,California?

the short-term rental regulations in Union City, California include specific requirements for hosts to register their properties with the city and obtain a rental permit. These regulations also impose restrictions on the number of guests allowed in a rental property and the maximum number of days a property can be rented out per year13. Additionally, hosts in Union City are required to collect a transient occupancy tax of 12.87% from guests2.

The regulations aim to ensure compliance with zoning laws and safety standards, emphasizing the importance of hosts being aware of and adhering to these rules to avoid potential fines or penalties. The city's regulations reflect a proactive approach to managing short-term rentals and maintaining the quality of life for residents.

For hosts considering starting a short-term rental business in Union City, it is crucial to familiarize themselves with these regulations, seek guidance from the Planning Department, and potentially engage with professional management companies to navigate the complexities of property management and compliance with local laws.

Overall, Union City's regulations underscore the city's commitment to balancing the interests of hosts, guests, and the community, highlighting the importance of responsible and compliant operation of short-term rentals within the city.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Union City

To start a short-term rental business in Union City, California, hosts must follow these key steps:

• Determine if your property is eligible for short-term rental use based on zoning and other regulations134. Ensure your property is zoned for single-family, two-family, or multi-family use.
• Register your property with the city and obtain a rental permit1. This process involves providing information about the property, owner, and intended use as a short-term rental.
• Collect the required documents, including proof of ownership, a floor plan, and liability insurance1. The city requires a minimum of $500,000 in liability coverage.
• Set up your rental listing on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO, ensuring you comply with regulations and disclose the rental permit number5.
• Collect and remit the 12.87% transient occupancy tax to the city on a monthly basis23.
• Comply with all other short-term rental regulations, such as limits on the number of guests and maximum rental days per year134. Non-hosted rentals may be subject to an annual cap.
• Respond promptly to any complaints or issues raised by neighbors or the city5.

It's crucial for hosts to carefully review and comply with all local regulations to avoid potential penalties or legal issues when starting a short-term rental business in Union City12345.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Union City

Union City, California does not appear to have specific short-term rental licensing requirements in place. The regulations mentioned focus on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and prohibit their use for short-term rentals of less than 30 days14.

However, the search results do not provide definitive information on whether Union City requires short-term rental hosts to obtain a license or permit to operate. The regulations seem to be more focused on restricting short-term rentals in certain types of properties, such as ADUs, rather than establishing a comprehensive licensing system.

It's possible that Union City may have some general business licensing requirements that could apply to short-term rental hosts, but the available information does not clearly specify these. To obtain accurate and up-to-date information on any short-term rental licensing requirements in Union City, it would be best to directly contact the city's Planning Department or review the city's official ordinances and zoning codes.

Required Documents for Union City Short Term Rentals

the required documents for operating a short-term rental in Union City, California include:

• Proof of ownership or authorization to operate a short-term rental on the property12
• A floor plan of the rental unit, indicating the number of bedrooms and bathrooms12
• Proof of liability insurance with coverage of at least $500,00012
• A signed agreement to comply with all short-term rental regulations1
• A completed application form with contact information for the host and a local contact person available 24/712
• Documentation indicating that the property has been inspected for compliance with the city's fire code and property maintenance code within the past six months for initial applications, and within the past three years for renewals2
• Proof of all city taxes and water paid to date2

It's important to note that these requirements may be subject to change, and hosts should always check with the Union City Planning Department or refer to the city's official ordinances and zoning codes for the most up-to-date information.

Union City Short Term Rental Taxes

Union City, California requires short-term rental hosts to collect a 12.87% transient occupancy tax from guests123. This tax is remitted to the city on a regular basis, typically monthly2.

The search results indicate that Airbnb has entered into a Voluntary Collection Agreement (VCA) with Union City, where Airbnb collects and remits the transient occupancy tax on behalf of hosts with listings located in the city2. However, hosts are still responsible for collecting and remitting the tax for bookings made outside of the Airbnb platform2.

It's important for hosts to maintain accurate records of all short-term rental transactions, including the gross amount charged to guests and the taxes collected, as this information may be requested in the event of an audit2.

To ensure compliance with tax requirements, hosts should review the city's official ordinances and regulations, as well as consult with a tax professional or the Union City Finance Department for the most up-to-date information2.

Union City wide Short Term Rental Rules

In addition to the licensing requirement, Union City has several other rules that apply to short-term rentals:

• Limits on the number of guests allowed per rental unit, typically based on the number of bedrooms
• Restrictions on the maximum number of days a property can be rented out per year, often set at 90 days for non-owner-occupied properties
• Requirements for providing off-street parking for guests, with a minimum of one space per rental unit
• Prohibitions on using accessory dwelling units (ADUs) for short-term rentals, as these units are intended for long-term housing
• Noise and nuisance regulations, which may include quiet hours and restrictions on outdoor gatherings

Does Union City strictly enforce STR rules?

Union City, California does not appear to strictly enforce short-term rental (STR) rules, particularly in the context of Airbnb rentals. A discussion on BiggerPockets mentions a property owner rehabbing a 7-unit property in Union City and considering Airbnb as a commercial strategy due to the city's restrictions on rent increases for rehabs or condo conversions3. The user notes an ordinance prohibiting rentals of less than 30 days but observes over 1000 short-term rentals listed on Airbnb in Union City.

This anecdote suggests a potential gap between the regulations prohibiting short-term rentals and the actual enforcement by the city. The user's experience indicates that despite the ordinance, a significant number of short-term rentals are still operating in Union City through platforms like Airbnb.

While this specific case highlights a potential lack of strict enforcement, it's essential to note that individual experiences may vary, and the city's enforcement practices could change over time. For the most accurate and current information on the enforcement of STR rules in Union City, it is advisable to directly contact the city authorities or the Planning Department.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Union City

To start a short-term rental business in Union City, follow these steps:

• Determine if your property is eligible for short-term rental use based on zoning and other regulations
• Register your property with the city and obtain a rental permit
• Collect the required documents, including proof of ownership, a floor plan, and liability insurance
• Set up your rental listing on Airbnb, VRBO, or other platforms, ensuring that you comply with all regulations and disclose the rental permit number
• Collect and remit transient occupancy taxes to the city on a monthly basis
• Comply with all other short-term rental regulations, including limits on guests and maximum rental days
• Respond promptly to any complaints or issues raised by neighbors or the city

Who to contact in Union City about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

For more information about short-term rental regulations and zoning in Union City, contact the city's Planning Department. The department can provide guidance on the application process, answer questions about specific properties, and assist with compliance issues.

The contact information for the Planning Department is:

Planning Department
34009 Alvarado-Niles Road
Union City, CA 94587
Phone: (510) 675-5319
Email: planning@unioncity.org

What do Airbnb hosts in Union City on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Short-term rental regulations in Union City, California on Reddit and Bigger Pockets, it appears that some hosts in nearby cities have expressed frustration with strict regulations and enforcement, particularly when it comes to limits on rental days and the requirement to collect transient occupancy taxes3.

One host on Bigger Pockets mentioned that they were considering Airbnb as a commercial strategy for a property they were rehabbing in Union City, despite an ordinance prohibiting rentals of less than 30 days3. However, the host observed that there were over 1000 short-term rentals listed on Airbnb in Union City, suggesting a potential gap between the regulations and actual enforcement by the city.

Despite these challenges, some hosts continue to operate short-term rentals in Union City and surrounding areas, as the demand for vacation rentals remains strong3. However, it's important for hosts to carefully review and comply with all local regulations to avoid potential penalties or legal issues.

Overall, the limited anecdotal evidence suggests that while some hosts may be frustrated with the regulations, they are still finding ways to operate short-term rentals in Union City, likely due to the strong demand for vacation rentals in the area. However, it's crucial for hosts to stay informed about the latest developments in regulations and enforcement to ensure compliance and success in their short-term rental business.