The $8,000 "Empty Home Tax": Why Your Del Mar STR Permit is Now Your Best Tax Shelter

Is your secondary home about to cost you an extra $8,000 per year?

On June 2, 2026, San Diego voters will decide on Measure A, better known as the "Empty Home Tax." If passed, residential properties left vacant for more than 182 days in a year will face a staggering $8,000 tax in 2027, jumping to $10,000+ in 2028. For corporate-owned properties, add another $4,000 on top of that.

The Secret Exemption: Tier 3 & 4 STR Licenses

Most owners don’t realize that Measure A includes a specific "get out of jail free" card: Properties with a Tier 3 or Tier 4 Short-Term Residential Occupancy license are NOT considered "empty homes" under this law.

Why the Next 72 Hours are Critical for Del Mar Owners:

If you own one of the 150 registered STRs in Del Mar, your window to secure this protection is closing.

• Deadline: May 1, 2026.

• The Catch: Only "Existing Operators" can apply. If you miss this deadline or fail to pay the $815 fee, you lose your "Legacy" status and your exemption from the citywide cap of 129 units.

Don’t Leave Your Tax Status to Chance.

Navigating the Rentalscape portal, floor plans, and parking site plans required for the May 1st deadline is complex. More importantly, failing to secure this permit now could leave you vulnerable to the $8,000 annual tax next year.

Elevate Your Compliance: At Elevate Management, we are helping Del Mar owners finalize their "Legacy" applications before the Friday deadline.

Book a call with Billy