California Coastal Commission Softens Pacifica STR Restrictions

8/26/2026

The California Coastal Commission approved Pacifica’s short-term rental regulations with significant modifications, rejecting the city’s proposed primary-residency requirement and increasing the annual limit on unhosted rentals from 60 to 120 nights. The commission approved the modified Local Coastal Program amendment in a 6–4 vote, sending the revised policy back to Pacifica for implementation. Other provisions remain intact, including a citywide limit of 150 STR permits, a prohibition on STRs in accessory dwelling units, and restrictions limiting operators to one rental. Pacifica officials are now considering amendments to the city’s ordinance needed to incorporate the Coastal Commission’s changes.

ActCoastal (08/12/26)

Why It Matters: The decision preserves more flexibility for STR operators and could influence regulations in other California coastal communities.