Short-Term Rentals in Clovis, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Clovis or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Clovis has 8 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Insurance Requirements

Clovis STR permits require proof of liability insurance covering short-term rental activity, typically $500,000-$1M minimum. Airbnb Host Protection/AirCover may qualify.

Key details: Minimum Coverage: $500,000 liability. Preferred: $1M liability. Platform Coverage: May qualify. Standard HO Policy: Often excludes. COI: Renewal check.

Noise Rules

STR guests must comply with Clovis quiet hours (10 PM-7 AM). Two substantiated noise complaints within 12 months can trigger STR permit revocation.

Key details: Quiet Hours: 10 PM - 7 AM. Outdoor Music Cutoff: 9 PM typical. Local Contact Response: 30-60 min. Revocation: 3 complaints/12 mo. Fine: $500-$1,000.

Per-incident: $500-$1,000. Permit probation at 2 complaints/year; revocation at 3.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Clovis actively enforces its noise rules requirements.

Taxes & Fees

Clovis TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) is 10% of rent on stays under 30 days. Platforms (Airbnb/Vrbo) may collect; hosts remain responsible for registration and returns.

Key details: TOT Rate: 10%. Threshold: Stays under 30 days. Code: CMC Ch. 3.12. Certificate: Required before listing. Late Penalty: 10% + interest.

Late filing: 10% penalty + interest. Willful non-payment: misdemeanor under CMC §3.12.

Registration Rules

STR operators must obtain a home occupation permit and business license. Within 10 days, owners must notify neighbors in writing with 24/7 contact info per CMC 9.58.065(E).

Key details: Code Section: CMC 9.58.065(E) & (T). Neighbor Notice: Within 10 days of permit. Certification: Under penalty of perjury. TOT Registration: Required (CMC 3.3.407). Business License: Required.

Failure to notify neighbors: violation of CMC 9.58.065(E). False certification: perjury. Operating without registration: code enforcement action. Grounds for permit revocation under CMC 9.58.090(B).

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

Night Caps

Clovis does not impose an annual night cap on STR operations. Properties may rent year-round with a valid home occupation permit under CMC 9.58.065.

Key details: Annual Night Cap: None. Year-Round Operation: Allowed with valid permit. Multi-Family Limit: 1 unit per address. Permit Lapse: 30 days of non-use.

No night cap violations possible since no annual limit exists. Permit lapses after 30 consecutive days of non-use per CMC 9.58.090(A).

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Clovis gives residents more flexibility on night caps.

Occupancy Limits

Clovis STR occupancy typically capped at 2 persons per bedroom plus 2, with a hard max set by permit. Events/parties exceeding cap prohibited.

Key details: Formula: 2 per bedroom + 2. 3BR Max: 8 overnight. Events: Prohibited w/o permit. Daytime Guests: Often 2x limit. Violation: $500+.

Overcrowding: $500+ and permit probation. Unpermitted event: $1,000+ and possible revocation.

Parking Rules

STR permits typically require one off-street parking space per bedroom. On-street overflow discouraged; RV/trailer parking by guests prohibited per CMC.

Key details: Off-Street Spaces: 1 per bedroom (2 min). On-Street Overflow: Discouraged. RV/Trailer: Not permitted. Hydrant Block: Tow immediate. Enforcement: Clovis PD + Code.

Parking violation $50-$100 tow-eligible. STR permit noted for repeat incidents.

Permit Requirements

Clovis requires a Short-Term Rental Permit and business license. STRs allowed only in specific zones; owner-occupancy or hosted requirements apply. Annual renewal.

Key details: Permit: STR Permit required. Business License: Required. TOT Certificate: Required. Local Contact: 24/7 required. Renewal: Annual.

Operating without permit: $500 first offense, $1,000 second, up to $2,500 for repeat. Permit revocation after 3 substantiated violations in 12 months.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Clovis actively enforces its permit requirements requirements.

The Bottom Line

Clovis is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 8 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Clovis, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Clovis's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.