Airbnb Laws and Regulations Palm Springs, CA

How does Palm Springs, CA define a short-term (Airbnb) rental (STR)?

• A single-family dwelling with less than four bedrooms that is rented on a transient basis. 
• A transient public lodging option that is rented for periods of 28 days or less at one time with no owner present. 

Please be aware that in the following text we use the phrases “Short-term Rental” and “Vacation Rental” synonymously. 

Source: City of Palm Springs Special Program Compliance

Can investors own more than one vacation rental property in Palm Springs, CA?

Yes, at this time, investors are allowed to own more than one vacation rental property in Palm Springs, CA. 

Source: City of Palm Springs Special Program Compliance

Does Palm Springs, CA have any zoning restrictions for STRs?

Yes, Palm Springs, CA has zoning restrictions for Airbnb rentals (STRs). The city has implemented a new rule package that establishes a cap of 20% of homes in residential neighborhoods for STR permits received after October 17, 2022. This means that only a limited percentage of homes in those areas can be used as short-term vacation rentals.

Source: City of Palm Springs Special Program Percentage Rates

In Palm Springs, CA can an investor own and operate their Airbnb property as a business entity? 

Yes! There is no law in Palm Springs, CA, that limits an investor from owning and operating their Airbnb property as a business entity. 

Source: Airbnb Palm Springs Info

In Palm Springs, CA, can investors register accessory dwelling units (ADU), duplexes, and multifamily homes as Vacation Rentals?

No, in Palm Springs, CA, investors are not permitted to register accessory dwelling units (ADU), duplexes, or multifamily homes as vacation rentals. Vacation rental and home sharing lodging are limited to single-family dwelling units, and they are prohibited in apartments.

Source: City of Palm Springs Special Program Compliance

What is Palm Springs, CA requirement for obtaining a Vacation Rental License?

To obtain a Vacation Rental License in Palm Springs, CA, the following requirements must be met:

• Submit a copy of government-issued identification.
• Provide proof of liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $500,000.
• Complete the Vacation Rental License application.
• Submit additional required documents such as Ownership Form, Pool Certification Form, Friends and Family List, and Rental Certificate Safety Inspection Form.
• If applicable, submit the Application for Transient Occupancy Permit, Land Use Permit, and HOA sample letter.

Source: Applying for a Vacation Rental License

What are the costs associated with a Vacation Rental License in Palm Springs, CA?

The costs associated with obtaining a Vacation Rental License in Palm Springs, CA include:

• Vacation Rental Certificate Fee: $1,009.00
• Estate Home Land Use Permit: $426.00
• Transient Occupancy Tax Permit: $25.00

These fees are subject to change, and it’s recommended to verify the current fees with the relevant authorities or the city’s official website.

Source: Applying for a Vacation Rental License

Does Palm Springs, CA have Vacation Rental occupancy limits?

Yes, Palm Springs, CA has occupancy limits for vacation rentals. The limits vary based on the number of bedrooms in the rental property. It is important for vacation rental owners to comply with the specified occupancy limits set by the city authorities.

Source: Palm Springs Vacation Rental Information

Does Palm Springs, CA require an inspection for investors to obtain an STR license? What are the physical and structural requirements for a vacation rental?

Yes, Palm Springs, CA requires a building, fire, and safety inspection for investors to obtain an STR license. The inspection is conducted annually by the Department of Special Program Compliance (DSPC) and covers various aspects of the property’s physical and structural safety. Additionally, the property must have certification from a licensed electrician regarding the operability of GFI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) and the safety of any pool and spa. The Pool Certification form and the electrician’s certification must be provided at the time of application and renewal.

Source: Palm Springs Vacation Rental Information

Does Palm Springs, CA have any responsible agent requirements?

Yes, Palm Springs, CA requires vacation rental owners or their agents to enter into a written contract with a responsible person for each rental. The contract sets terms and conditions, including occupancy limits and noise regulations. The responsible person is legally responsible for compliance, and a summary of the contract must be filed with the Enforcement Official and posted on the property.

Source: Palm Springs STR Ordinance

Does Palm Springs, CA have specific insurance requirements for a Vacation Rental?

Yes, Palm Springs, CA requires vacation rental owners to provide proof of liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $500,000.

Source: Applying for a Vacation Rental License

What are the duration and renewal terms of a Palm Springs, CAVacation Rental license?

A Palm Springs, CA Vacation Rental license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

Source: Applying for a Vacation Rental License

In Palm Springs, CA, do Airbnb and VRBO remit taxes on the host’s behalf? Are there any taxes that the host must track and pay directly to Palm Springs, CA?

No, Airbnb and VRBO do not remit taxes on behalf of hosts in Palm Springs, CA. Hosts are responsible for tracking and collecting transient occupancy taxes (TOT) directly from guests and remitting them to the City of Palm Springs.

Source: Palm Springs Vacation Rental Information

Who should I contact if I have questions regarding Palm Springs, CA  Vacation Rentals?

Department of Special Program Compliance: (760) 322‐8382 Or vacation.rentals@palmspringsca.gov

Are there any new laws and regulations that the city is requiring?

The only new law that investors should be aware of when buying a Airbnb rental in Palm Springs is that there is a cap of 20% of homes in residential neighborhoods for STR permits received after October 17, 2022. This means that only a limited percentage of homes in those areas can be used as short-term vacation rentals. Other than that, Get Chalet did not find any other new laws or regulations. 

Source: City of Palm Springs Special Program Percentage Rates