San Diego has implemented strict regulations for non-owner occupied short-term rentals (STRs) as of May 1, 2023. Here are the key points:

1. License requirement: All STRs must obtain a Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) license47.
2. Tiered system: Non-owner occupied STRs fall under Tier 3 for whole-home rentals outside Mission Beach, and Tier 4 for Mission Beach13.
3. Caps on licenses:
   • Tier 3 permits are limited to 1% of the city's total housing units, excluding Mission Beach1.
   • Tier 4 permits (Mission Beach) are capped at 30% of available units in that area1.
4. Minimum stay: Guests are required to stay a minimum of two nights for both Tier 3 and Tier 4 rentals1.
5. License allocation: If applications exceed the cap, a lottery system is used, prioritizing hosts who have complied with city laws14.
6. Good Neighbor Policy: All STR operators must adhere to guidelines on noise, trash, and occupancy limits3.
7. Restrictions: Recreational vehicles, campers, or temporary structures cannot be used for STRs7.
8. Penalties: Operating an STR without a license after May 1, 2023, is a violation and may result in penalties and jeopardize future license eligibility7.

While these regulations are strict, it is still feasible to operate a non-owner occupied STR in San Diego, provided you obtain the proper license and comply with all requirements