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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Indio, CA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are permitted only with a city short-term rental permit and compliance with other Municipal Code requirements (business license and transient occupancy tax). Owners must ensure compliance with building, fire, health and safety, and zoning codes; advertisements must display the City permit number and identify maximum occupancy, number of permitted bedrooms, and maximum vehicles. Hosting platforms must report listings and remit transient occupancy tax; the City maintains an online registry of active permits.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a short-term rental permit application via the City’s STR permit portal and obtain/maintain a City business license and transient occupancy tax registration; 2) City schedules a building, fire and health & safety inspection for new permits (within 30 days) and will require inspections for new permits and every five years thereafter; renew permit annually via the portal (permit term shown as 1 year on the City portal) and file a self-certification in intervening years unless a City inspection is required. Fee: $2,057.00 total permit fee (as stated on the City’s permit portal).

Regulatory Updates — Indio

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedApril 2024

Festival Weekend STR Enforcement Operations

Indio deployed dedicated STR enforcement teams during 2024 Coachella and Stagecoach festival weekends, citing unpermitted operators and properties exceeding posted occupancy limits, with fines significantly higher than standard violations.

PassedAugust 2024

Business License and TOT Registration Audit

Indio audited STR operators for active business licenses and TOT registration accounts, requiring operators to bring all three registrations into compliance before permit renewals were processed.

PassedJanuary 2024

Building Code Compliance Inspection Added to Permit

Indio added a building code compliance inspection to the initial STR permit process, verifying that properties meet egress, electrical, and plumbing standards before a permit is issued.

Official Resources

Official Indio STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing advocacy and compliance resources for vacation rental professionals in the Coachella Valley including Indio.

California Rental Housing AssociationStatewide

Statewide property owner and landlord advocacy group monitoring Coachella Valley STR regulations and opposing further permit restrictions in the region.

Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors BureauLocal

Regional destination marketing organization for the Coachella Valley tracking STR supply trends across Indio and its neighbors for their impact on festival and year-round visitor accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Indio, CA?
Short-term rentals are permitted only with a city short-term rental permit and compliance with other Municipal Code requirements (business license and transient occupancy tax). Owners must ensure compliance with building, fire, health and safety, and zoning codes; advertisements must display the City permit number and identify maximum occupancy, number of permitted bedrooms, and maximum vehicles. Hosting platforms must report listings and remit transient occupancy tax; the City maintains an online registry of active permits.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Indio?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Indio. 1) Submit a short-term rental permit application via the City’s STR permit portal and obtain/maintain a City business license and transient occupancy tax registration; 2) City schedules a building, fire and health & safety inspection for new permits (within 30 days) and will require inspections for new permits and every five years thereafter; renew permit annually via the portal (permit term shown as 1 year on the City portal) and file a self-certification in intervening years unless a City inspection is required. Fee: $2,057.00 total permit fee (as stated on the City’s permit portal).
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Indio?
1) Submit a short-term rental permit application via the City’s STR permit portal and obtain/maintain a City business license and transient occupancy tax registration; 2) City schedules a building, fire and health & safety inspection for new permits (within 30 days) and will require inspections for new permits and every five years thereafter; renew permit annually via the portal (permit term shown as 1 year on the City portal) and file a self-certification in intervening years unless a City inspection is required. Fee: $2,057.00 total permit fee (as stated on the City’s permit portal).
What three registrations do I need to operate an STR in Indio?
You need: (1) an Indio city STR permit, (2) an Indio business license, and (3) a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) account for remitting city TOT on all stays. All three must be current — Indio audits for compliance on all three simultaneously at renewal.
Are there special rules during Coachella and Stagecoach weekends?
No special rules, but enforcement is dramatically intensified. Indio deploys dedicated STR enforcement teams during festival weekends with significantly higher fines for violations. Ensure your occupancy limits are clearly communicated to guests and your permit is current before festival season.
Does California protect Indio STR operators from a city ban?
No. California has no statewide STR preemption law. Neighboring La Quinta has permanently banned new General/Primary permits. While Indio has not taken that step, it retains full authority to impose caps or bans and operators should monitor Coachella Valley regional trends.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction