San Diego Good Neighbor Policy Checklist

Key Takeaways

• Exterior signage (8.5" x 11") must be visible from the sidewalk with license number and contact info

• Designate a local contact available 24/7 who can respond within one hour

• Provide written Good Neighbor Guidelines to every guest before arrival

• Noise violations can result in $1,000 administrative citations for both hosts and guests

• Repeated violations can lead to license revocation

Good Neighbor Policy compliance isn't just regulatory checkbox. It's what keeps your neighbors from filing complaints that threaten your license. San Diego requires specific actions from every STRO host, and the City takes violations seriously.

Required Exterior Signage

Every STRO property must display signage visible from the sidewalk. The City provides templates when you receive your license, but you're responsible for posting and maintaining it.

Sign Requirements

Size: 8.5 inches by 11 inches (standard letter size).

Visibility: Must be readable from the public sidewalk or right-of-way.

Condition: Must be maintained in good condition throughout operation.

Location: Exterior of the property; not hidden inside or behind doors.

Required Information

The sign must include:

STRO License Number: Your city-issued license number.

Local Contact: Name and 24/7 phone number of your designated local contact.

City Code Enforcement: Contact information for San Diego Code Enforcement Division.

Local Contact Requirements

You must designate a local contact person responsible for responding to issues. This can be yourself, a co-host, or a property manager.

Availability Standards

24/7 availability: The contact must be reachable at any hour, any day.

One-hour response: Must respond to complaints within one hour of contact.

Local presence: Must be able to physically respond to the property if needed.

What "Respond" Means

Response doesn't just mean answering the phone. It means taking action to address the issue. If neighbors report noise at 2 AM, your contact needs to reach guests, quiet the situation, and follow up to confirm resolution.

Failure to respond appropriately within one hour allows neighbors to escalate to police (619-531-2000 non-emergency) or formal complaints through Get It Done.

Guest Guidelines Documentation

Provide every guest with written Good Neighbor Guidelines before or at arrival. The City provides a fillable template covering required topics.

Required Topics

Noise rules: Explain that disturbing noise is illegal under SDMC § 59.5.0401 and 59.5.0501. Violations can result in $1,000 citations to guests.

Quiet hours: While not mandated citywide, establishing quiet hours (typically 10 PM - 8 AM) prevents issues.

Parking: Detail parking rules, available spaces, street sweeping days, and restrictions.

Trash: Explain collection days, bin locations, and recycling requirements.

Occupancy: State maximum occupancy and that exceeding it violates your license.

Parties prohibited: Explicitly state that gatherings exceeding registered guests are not permitted.

Contact information: Provide your local contact number for any issues.

Noise Compliance

Noise generates more neighbor complaints than any other issue. Understanding San Diego's noise rules helps you set appropriate guest expectations.

What's Prohibited

San Diego Municipal Code prohibits "noise which is disturbing, excessive or offensive, which causes discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitiveness residing in the area."

This includes: loud music, parties, shouting, outdoor activities late at night, repeated car horn honking, and construction-type sounds during quiet hours.

Enforcement

Administrative citations: Up to $1,000 for hosts and guests.

Police response cost recovery: If police respond to disturbances, guests may be responsible for repayment.

CAPP designation: Repeated noise issues can result in "Chronic Alcohol-Related Problems Property" designation, bringing zero-tolerance enforcement.

Prevention Strategies

Noise monitoring: Devices like NoiseAware detect elevated sound levels and alert you before neighbors complain. Disclose monitoring in your listing.

Clear expectations: State noise rules in booking confirmation, check-in instructions, and posted house rules.

Guest screening: Review booking requests carefully. Local bookings, one-night stays, and vague travel reasons warrant extra scrutiny.

Parking Management

Parking causes friction in dense beach neighborhoods. Address it proactively:

On-site parking: If available, clearly explain which spaces guests can use.

Street parking: Provide maps showing legal parking areas, restricted zones, and permit requirements.

Street sweeping: List sweeping days and times. Tickets frustrate guests and reflect on your reviews.

Neighbor driveways: Explicitly prohibit blocking neighbor driveways or parking in their spaces.

Trash and Recycling

Collection schedule: Provide pickup days for trash and recycling specific to your address.

Bin placement: Explain where to place bins for collection and where to store them otherwise.

What goes where: Include San Diego's recycling guide showing accepted materials.

Between-guest cleanup: Ensure bins aren't overflowing when new guests arrive.

Good Neighbor Compliance Checklist

Use this checklist to verify compliance:

Requirement	Status
Exterior signage posted and visible from sidewalk	☐
Sign includes STRO license number	☐
Sign includes 24/7 local contact information	☐
Sign includes City Code Enforcement contact	☐
Local contact designated and available 24/7	☐
Good Neighbor Guidelines document prepared	☐
Guidelines include noise rules and quiet hours	☐
Guidelines include parking instructions	☐
Guidelines include trash/recycling schedule	☐
Guidelines include maximum occupancy	☐
Guidelines sent to guests before arrival	☐
Guest acknowledgment of rules documented	☐

Handling Complaints

When complaints occur (and they will eventually), your response matters:

1. Document everything: Note the time, source, and nature of the complaint.

2. Respond immediately: Contact guests and address the issue.

3. Confirm resolution: Follow up to ensure the problem is solved.

4. Record your actions: Keep written records of what you did and when.

5. Follow up with complainant: When appropriate, confirm the issue was resolved.

This documentation protects you if complaints escalate to enforcement actions. Demonstrating good faith response efforts often prevents citations.

Professional Compliance Support

Our management services include full Good Neighbor Policy implementation: signage installation, 24/7 guest support, noise monitoring, and complaint response. We keep your property compliant and your neighbors satisfied.