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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Needles, CA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are allowed only with a current city short-term rental permit and a City business license; operators must collect/pay a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (Measure N), post the city-issued permit inside the unit, provide a 24-hour local contact, comply with California Building and Fire Codes, and meet occupancy/parking limits and other operational standards documented in the City inspection checklist. The City also adopted implementing rules (Ordinance 679-AC) to require hosting platforms to display City-issued permit/tax numbers per SB 346.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Complete and submit the City short-term rental application (PDF linked on the City STR page). 2) Obtain a City business license and schedule/complete the property inspection using the City’s Property Inspection Checklist (items include demonstration of compliance with building/fire codes, posting permit/occupant & parking limits, 24-hour contact info, neighbor notice within 300 ft). 3) Remit Transient Occupancy Tax as required; the City issues an Annual Permit (renew annually) upon compliance.

Official Resources

Official Needles STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Needles, CA?
Short-term rentals are allowed only with a current city short-term rental permit and a City business license; operators must collect/pay a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (Measure N), post the city-issued permit inside the unit, provide a 24-hour local contact, comply with California Building and Fire Codes, and meet occupancy/parking limits and other operational standards documented in the City inspection checklist. The City also adopted implementing rules (Ordinance 679-AC) to require hosting platforms to display City-issued permit/tax numbers per SB 346.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Needles?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Needles. 1) Complete and submit the City short-term rental application (PDF linked on the City STR page). 2) Obtain a City business license and schedule/complete the property inspection using the City’s Property Inspection Checklist (items include demonstration of compliance with building/fire codes, posting permit/occupant & parking limits, 24-hour contact info, neighbor notice within 300 ft). 3) Remit Transient Occupancy Tax as required; the City issues an Annual Permit (renew annually) upon compliance.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Needles?
1) Complete and submit the City short-term rental application (PDF linked on the City STR page). 2) Obtain a City business license and schedule/complete the property inspection using the City’s Property Inspection Checklist (items include demonstration of compliance with building/fire codes, posting permit/occupant & parking limits, 24-hour contact info, neighbor notice within 300 ft). 3) Remit Transient Occupancy Tax as required; the City issues an Annual Permit (renew annually) upon compliance.

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