How Altadena Handles Short-Term Rentals: A Practical Guide
Altadena maintains 68 local ordinances across all categories, and 8 of those deal specifically with short-term rentals. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Altadena falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Permit Requirements
Altadena STRs must register annually with the LA County Treasurer & Tax Collector under LA County Code Chapter 7.96 (Title 7, Division 3). Registration is limited to a Host's Primary Residence — ADUs and vacation rentals are ineligible.
Key details: Code Section: LA County Code Ch. 7.96 (Title 7 Div. 3). Annual Registration Fee: $914. Primary Residence Requirement: 275 days/year minimum. Certificate Term: 1 year, non-transferable. Apply Via: TTC STR Unit, lacountystr.munirevs.com.
Section 7.96.090 makes each day of unregistered operation a separate violation. Administrative fines under Ch. 1.25 escalate up to the $914 registration fee per day. Hosting platforms face up to $1,000/day per listing for processing bookings without a valid certificate.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Altadena actively enforces its permit requirements requirements.
Night Caps
Un-hosted short-term rentals in Altadena are capped at 90 nights per calendar year. Hosted stays (host on-site) have no annual cap, but every stay is limited to 30 consecutive days or less.
Key details: Code Section: LA County 7.96.060.J. Un-Hosted Cap: 90 nights/year. Hosted Cap: No annual cap. Max Single Stay: 30 consecutive days. Min Un-Hosted Stay: 2 nights.
Exceeding the 90-night cap is grounds for suspension or revocation of the registration certificate under Section 7.96.110, plus per-day administrative fines under Ch. 1.25.
Compared to other cities, Altadena takes a harder line on night caps. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Registration Rules
Hosts must register annually with LA County TTC, pay $914, and submit a sworn affidavit affirming primary-residence status, a local responsible contact reachable 24/7, and consent of the property owner.
Key details: Code Section: LA County Code 7.96.040 & 7.96.060. Annual Fee: $914. Local Contact Required: 24/7 phone availability. Certificate Posting: Inside unit + on listings. Neighbor Notice: Mailed by TTC within 7 days.
Operating without a valid certificate is a separate violation each day under 7.96.090. Fines escalate up to $914/day plus revocation, and the TTC will mail neighbor notices within 7 days of issuance (7.96.060.C).
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Altadena actively enforces its registration rules requirements.
Insurance Requirements
LA County does not require a specific liability insurance amount, but Hosts must provide working smoke detectors, CO detectors, flashlights, and tagged fire extinguishers (7.96.070.F-G).
Key details: Code Section: LA County 7.96.070.F-H. Smoke/CO Detectors: Required, working. Fire Extinguishers: Required, dated inspection tag. Evacuation Plan: Posted inside unit. Fire Zone Notice: Required if in VHFHSZ (7.96.060.O).
Operating without required safety equipment or postings is a violation under Section 7.96.110.
Taxes & Fees
STR hosts in Altadena must collect and remit a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) under LA County Code Chapter 4.72, plus pay the $914 annual registration fee under Section 7.96.040.
Key details: TOT Rate: 12%. TOT Code Section: LA County Code Ch. 4.72. Registration Fee: $914/year. Filing Deadline: Within 30 days of stay.
Unpaid TOT can result in revocation of the registration certificate (7.96.110.G), tax liens, and prosecution under Ch. 4.72.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Altadena actively enforces its taxes & fees requirements.
Noise Rules
STRs may not adversely affect neighborhood character via noise, vibration, glare, odors, or other nuisance under LA County Code Section 7.96.060.L; underlying noise limits in Ch. 12.08 still apply.
Key details: Code Section: LA County 7.96.060.L–M. 24/7 Contact Required: Yes (7.96.070.A). Quiet Hours: 10 p.m. – 7 a.m. (Ch. 12.08). Parties: Banned.
Nuisance complaints can lead to immediate suspension under Section 7.96.110.E if there is an 'imminent threat to public peace, health, or safety,' plus administrative fines under Ch. 1.25.
Parking Rules
STR hosts must make on-site parking required under Sections 22.112.060 and 22.112.070 available to guests, and must post parking capacity and rules inside the unit (Section 7.96.070.H.2).
Key details: Code Section: LA County 7.96.060.N. Required Spaces (1–4 BR): 2 (CSD 22.306.070.A.5). Required Spaces (5–6 BR): 3. Posting Required: Capacity + rules inside unit.
Failing to provide required parking is a violation under Section 7.96.110 — escalating administrative fines and potential certificate suspension.
Occupancy Limits
Guest occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom plus two additional, with an absolute maximum of 12 guests per booking per LA County Code Section 7.96.060.K.
Key details: Code Section: LA County 7.96.060.K. Formula: 2 × bedrooms + 2. Hard Cap: 12 guests per booking. Parties: Prohibited (7.96.060.M). Bookings/Night: 1 max.
Exceeding occupancy or hosting prohibited events is a violation under Section 7.96.110 — grounds for suspension or revocation plus daily administrative fines.
This is one of the stricter rules in Altadena's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
The Bottom Line
Altadena is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 8 rules covered here, 5 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Altadena, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
Keep in mind that Altadena can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.