Short-Term Rentals in Burbank, CA

Burbank maintains 60 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with short-term rentals. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Burbank falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Occupancy Limits

Because short-term rentals are prohibited in Burbank, no enforceable STR occupancy limit exists. A 2021 proposed (but not adopted) ordinance would have capped occupancy at two persons per bedroom plus two, never exceeding sixteen persons.

Key details: Current STR Occupancy Rule: None (STRs prohibited). Proposed (not adopted): 2 persons per bedroom + 2; max 16. Proposed Section: BMC 3-4-2804(L) (draft). Proposed Duration Cap: 120 days/year, primary residence only.

There is no STR occupancy citation because STRs themselves are prohibited; operating one is a zoning violation enforceable by Burbank Code Enforcement (818-238-5225) regardless of how many guests stay.

Compared to other cities, Burbank takes a harder line on occupancy limits. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Short-Term Rental Permits

Burbank prohibits short-term rentals. The City's Zoning Code defines 'Hotel' and 'Motel' to include short term rentals and vacation rentals, and 'Hotel uses of any kind are not permitted in residential zones.' There is no City short-term rental permit available; a 2021 Planning Board proposal to license up to 600 STRs was not adopted.

Key details: STR Status: Prohibited (classified as Hotel/Motel use). Code Section: BMC 10-1-203, 10-1-602, 10-1-627. City Permit: None available. 2021 Proposal: 600-license program; not adopted. Enforcement: Code Enforcement (818) 238-5225.

Operating or advertising a short-term rental is operating a prohibited Hotel/Motel use in a residential zone, enforceable by the Building and Safety Division - Code Enforcement (818-238-5225) as a zoning violation, subject to administrative citation and abatement under the Burbank Municipal Code.

This is one of the stricter rules in Burbank's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Short-Term Rental Parking Rules

Not applicable. Short-term rentals are banned in Burbank. No STR-specific parking regulations exist.

Key details: STR Status: Banned. Parking Rules: N/A - STRs not permitted. General Parking: Standard residential rules apply. Topic: Parking Rules.

Parking problems associated with illegal STR operations strengthen zoning enforcement actions. Standard parking citations apply for street violations.

This is one of the stricter rules in Burbank's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Burbank is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Burbank, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Burbank's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.