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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in La Quinta, CA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

New STVR permits are permanently banned in General and Primary categories per LQMC §3.25.055; exemptions exist for properties in specific exempt areas, Homeshare permits, and Large Lot Qualified & Certified properties (25,000+ sq ft). Homeshare permits require the owner to occupy the property for the duration of the visitor's stay.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Verify eligibility by consulting the City’s exempt-area map or contacting staff (VacationLQ@LaQuintaCA.gov). 2) Create an account and submit the application and required documents (e.g., grant deed for Homeshare) via the online STVR portal. 3) Pay applicable permit fees and transient occupancy tax (TOT) through the portal.

Regulatory Updates — La Quinta

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJune 2023

Permanent General/Primary Permit Ban Takes Full Effect

La Quinta's permanent ban on issuing new General and Primary category STVR permits is now fully in effect under LQMC §3.25. Only Homeshare permits for owner-occupied properties and Resort area permits remain available.

PassedMarch 2024

Homeshare Permit Program Remains Open

The City confirmed that Homeshare permits — for owner-occupied STRs where the host is present during guest stays — remain available as the only new STR pathway for residential properties outside the Resort zone.

PassedSeptember 2024

Non-Transferability Rule for Existing Permits Upheld

The City Council affirmed that existing General and Primary permits cannot be sold or transferred with a property. When a permitted property sells, the permit expires — buyers cannot assume the seller's STR status.

Official Resources

Official La Quinta STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association monitoring California STR ordinance trends and providing legal and advocacy resources for operators navigating permit restrictions.

California Rental Housing AssociationStatewide

Statewide landlord and property owner advocacy group tracking California STR restrictions and opposing blanket permit bans at the local level.

Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors BureauLocal

Regional tourism organization for the Coachella Valley that monitors STR policy across La Quinta, Palm Desert, and Palm Springs to assess its impact on visitor accommodation supply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in La Quinta, CA?
New STVR permits are permanently banned in General and Primary categories per LQMC §3.25.055; exemptions exist for properties in specific exempt areas, Homeshare permits, and Large Lot Qualified & Certified properties (25,000+ sq ft). Homeshare permits require the owner to occupy the property for the duration of the visitor's stay.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in La Quinta?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in La Quinta. 1) Verify eligibility by consulting the City’s exempt-area map or contacting staff (VacationLQ@LaQuintaCA.gov). 2) Create an account and submit the application and required documents (e.g., grant deed for Homeshare) via the online STVR portal. 3) Pay applicable permit fees and transient occupancy tax (TOT) through the portal.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in La Quinta?
1) Verify eligibility by consulting the City’s exempt-area map or contacting staff (VacationLQ@LaQuintaCA.gov). 2) Create an account and submit the application and required documents (e.g., grant deed for Homeshare) via the online STVR portal. 3) Pay applicable permit fees and transient occupancy tax (TOT) through the portal.
Can I get a new STR permit in La Quinta?
Only for Homeshare (owner-present) stays or properties within the designated Resort zone. New General and Primary category permits — covering non-owner-occupied and non-resort properties — are permanently banned under LQMC §3.25.
If I buy a property that currently has an STR permit, can I keep operating?
No. La Quinta's permits are non-transferable. When a permitted property changes ownership, the permit expires. The new owner cannot assume the previous owner's STR status and cannot obtain a new General or Primary permit.
Are there any legal challenges to La Quinta's permit ban?
California has no statewide STR preemption law, so local permit bans are legally viable. No successful challenge has overturned La Quinta's ordinance. Operators should assume the General/Primary ban is permanent.
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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