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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Palm Desert, CA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as privately-owned dwellings rented for 27 consecutive nights or less and are allowed only in specified residential zones (RE, R-1M, R-1, R-2, R-3, HPR, PR, DEO, etc.) and subject to homeowner association CC&Rs. ADUs/JADUs are not permitted as STRs. Hosts must post permit numbers in ads, provide a 24-hour local contact, meet-and-greet guests, and comply with TOT/TBID collection and occupancy/noise/parking rules.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Apply online via the City’s STR portal (Deckard Rentalscape); 2) Pay the $29.00 permit fee (new or renewal), submit required info (including an annual HOA letter if applicable), and provide operator contact details; 3) Once issued, the permit must be posted in-unit and renewed annually via the same portal.

Regulatory Updates — Palm Desert

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJanuary 2025

Neighborhood Cap Enforcement Tightened

Palm Desert increased enforcement of its neighborhood permit cap system, auditing active permits and revoking those in neighborhoods that exceeded density thresholds, with new permit applications in those areas denied.

PassedJuly 2024

Good Neighbor Ordinance Strengthened

Palm Desert's Good Neighbor ordinance was updated to require larger fines for repeat noise violations and mandatory permit suspension after three substantiated complaints within a 12-month period.

Under ReviewNovember 2024

Regional Cap Reduction Study Commissioned

The City commissioned a study comparing STR density across Coachella Valley cities to evaluate whether Palm Desert's caps align with regional housing and neighborhood-character goals, with results expected to inform future ordinance changes.

Official Resources

Official Palm Desert STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory advocacy and model ordinance resources for vacation rental professionals in California desert markets.

California Rental Housing AssociationStatewide

Statewide property owner and landlord advocacy group monitoring Coachella Valley STR ordinance changes and opposing restrictive permit caps.

Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors BureauLocal

Regional destination marketing organization tracking STR permit trends across Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and La Quinta for their combined impact on visitor accommodation supply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Palm Desert, CA?
Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as privately-owned dwellings rented for 27 consecutive nights or less and are allowed only in specified residential zones (RE, R-1M, R-1, R-2, R-3, HPR, PR, DEO, etc.) and subject to homeowner association CC&Rs. ADUs/JADUs are not permitted as STRs. Hosts must post permit numbers in ads, provide a 24-hour local contact, meet-and-greet guests, and comply with TOT/TBID collection and occupancy/noise/parking rules.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Palm Desert?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Palm Desert. 1) Apply online via the City’s STR portal (Deckard Rentalscape); 2) Pay the $29.00 permit fee (new or renewal), submit required info (including an annual HOA letter if applicable), and provide operator contact details; 3) Once issued, the permit must be posted in-unit and renewed annually via the same portal.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Palm Desert?
1) Apply online via the City’s STR portal (Deckard Rentalscape); 2) Pay the $29.00 permit fee (new or renewal), submit required info (including an annual HOA letter if applicable), and provide operator contact details; 3) Once issued, the permit must be posted in-unit and renewed annually via the same portal.
Is there a limit on STR permits in my Palm Desert neighborhood?
Yes. Palm Desert uses a neighborhood-level cap system. Popular neighborhoods may already be at or near their cap, meaning new permits cannot be issued there even if you meet all other requirements. Check current cap status with the City before purchasing with STR intent.
What happens after my third noise complaint?
Under Palm Desert's updated Good Neighbor ordinance, three substantiated noise complaints within 12 months results in mandatory permit suspension. Reinstatement requires a review hearing and may include additional conditions.
Is Palm Desert moving toward a La Quinta-style permit ban?
It's possible. The City has commissioned a regional study comparing STR density across Coachella Valley cities. If Palm Desert concludes its density is too high, it could tighten caps or move toward category-based permit bans similar to La Quinta's 2023 ordinance.
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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