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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Palm Springs, CA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are restricted to single-family dwellings (apartments prohibited) and must be ancillary to residential use. A 20% neighborhood-based cap applies to certificates in organized neighborhoods, and annual contracts are limited to 26 for new permittees or 32 for existing permittees.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit an online application via the GovOS portal with required documents (ID, insurance, HOA consent, and indemnification agreement) and pay the registration fee ($1,046 for new VR). 2) Schedule and pass a building, fire, and safety inspection. 3) Receive written authorization; certificates must be renewed annually following a new inspection.

Regulatory Updates — Palm Springs

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedOctober 2023

26-Contract Annual Cap for New Permits

Palm Springs implemented a 26-contract-per-year cap for newly issued STR permits, limiting new operators to hosting guests no more than 26 times annually. Existing permit holders with a track record of compliance are not subject to the same cap. The rule is intended to phase in new operators gradually.

Official source
PassedMarch 2022

Neighborhood STR Percentage Caps

Palm Springs enforces caps on the percentage of single-family homes in each neighborhood that can operate as STRs. Once a neighborhood reaches its cap, new permits are not issued regardless of other eligibility. Cap percentages vary by neighborhood type.

PassedFebruary 2024

Enhanced TOT Collection Enforcement

Palm Springs strengthened Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection enforcement in 2024, requiring all platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) to remit TOT directly to the city. Operators must still ensure their properties are properly registered or face penalties even when platforms remit taxes.

Official Resources

Official Palm Springs STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Palm Springs Vacation Rental Owners AssociationLocal

Local organization representing Palm Springs STR permit holders, monitoring city regulations and engaging with the Planning Commission on STR policy.

California Rental Housing Association (CalRHA)Statewide

Statewide landlord and rental property association that includes advocacy on short-term rental issues, particularly regarding TOT and zoning.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association with California chapter members monitoring Palm Springs and Coachella Valley STR regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Palm Springs, CA?
STRs are restricted to single-family dwellings (apartments prohibited) and must be ancillary to residential use. A 20% neighborhood-based cap applies to certificates in organized neighborhoods, and annual contracts are limited to 26 for new permittees or 32 for existing permittees.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Palm Springs?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Palm Springs. 1) Submit an online application via the GovOS portal with required documents (ID, insurance, HOA consent, and indemnification agreement) and pay the registration fee ($1,046 for new VR). 2) Schedule and pass a building, fire, and safety inspection. 3) Receive written authorization; certificates must be renewed annually following a new inspection.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Palm Springs?
1) Submit an online application via the GovOS portal with required documents (ID, insurance, HOA consent, and indemnification agreement) and pay the registration fee ($1,046 for new VR). 2) Schedule and pass a building, fire, and safety inspection. 3) Receive written authorization; certificates must be renewed annually following a new inspection.
What is Palm Springs' 26-contract limit for STR permits?
New STR permit holders in Palm Springs are limited to 26 rental contracts per calendar year during their initial permit period. A 'contract' is defined as a single guest stay, regardless of length. This effectively caps new operators at roughly one rental every two weeks. After demonstrating compliance, operators can apply for removal of the cap. The rule does not apply to existing permit holders who were already in good standing.
Are there STR neighborhood caps in Palm Springs?
Yes. Palm Springs caps the percentage of homes in each residential neighborhood that can hold active STR permits. Once a neighborhood reaches its cap (which varies by zone), no new STR permits are issued in that area. Prospective buyers should verify whether a specific neighborhood is at capacity before purchasing with STR intentions. The city maintains a public registry of permit status by address.
What taxes do Palm Springs STR operators pay?
Palm Springs STR operators are responsible for collecting and remitting an 11.5% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on all guest stays. Major platforms like Airbnb and VRBO now collect and remit TOT directly to the city on behalf of operators, but operators must still be properly registered. Failure to maintain registration can result in liability even when platforms remit taxes.
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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