How Altadena Handles Short-Term Rentals: A Practical Guide

Altadena maintains 22 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 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.

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.

Short-Term Rental 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.

The Bottom Line

Altadena's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Altadena is broadly strict or permissive.

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.