The City of Chula Vista, requires all hotels and motels to obtain and display a permit to operate each year (Municipal Code 5.39).

Application Process Overview

The annual permit to operate shall be applied for on a yearly basis by the hotel/motel operator. The application process requires:

• Completed online permit application
• Annual health inspection by the Development Services Director or his/her designee
• $70 Processing Fee

All the required application material must be submitted online to the Chula Vista Police Department by November 1. The City will also evaluate other requirements discussed under Grounds for Denial. Permits will be issued or denied within 60 days after the due date. If a hotel/motel does not meet the specified threshold or other ordinance requirements, the City may deny the permit.

Important Dates

• October 1 - Permit Application Reminder E-mailed to all Hotel/Motel Operators
• November 1 - Permit Application Deadline (all applications and payments must be submitted online)
• December 15 - Permits sent to Hotels/Motels via email
• January 1 - Permits Must be Displayed by Hotels/Motels

Permit Application

Hotel/Motel Operators applying for a permit to operate must file a completed online application provided by the City containing the following:

A. Business license in accordance with Chapter 5.13 CVMC, Rental Businesses.

B. The name of the applicant and trade name, if any, of the business; the name of the corporation and the name and address of its agent for service.

C. The business name, address, and phone number of the hotel/motel, and the emergency contact phone information for the hotel/motel.

D. The number of toilets in the hotel/motel.

E. The number of kitchens in the hotel/motel.

F. Proof of liability insurance, if applicable, including the carrier, policy number, agent’s name, address and phone number or a statement of self-insurance.

G. Comply with the annual inspection performed by the Development Services Department and meet the guest room minimum requirements as defined in CVMC 15.20.080.

H. Transient occupancy tax bond, if required, by the City Finance Director.

Any material misrepresented in the application for the permit to operate a hotel/motel, or a failure to provide the required information, shall be grounds for denial.

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Contact Us

If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an on-site meeting at your hotel/motel to discuss any ordinance-related issues, please email hospitalityoutreach@chulavistapd.org