Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Palm Desert, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Palm Desert, CA, but with restrictions. 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. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

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.

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.

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.

Vrbo is permitted in Palm Desert, CA under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Palm Desert are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

The most recent tracked change in Palm Desert is "Neighborhood Cap Enforcement Tightened" (2025-01-01, status: passed). 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. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.

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.

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.

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.