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

If you live in Delano 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. Delano has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Taxes & Fees

Delano levies a Transient Occupancy Tax on accommodations rented for fewer than 30 days within city limits under authority of California Revenue & Taxation Code §7280. The current TOT rate is set by the City Council and applies to hotels, motels, and STRs.

Key details: Authority: Cal. R&T Code §7280. Threshold: Stays under 30 days. Contact: Delano Finance (661) 721-3310.

Unremitted TOT is recoverable with penalties and interest; failure to collect is a misdemeanor.

Permit Requirements

Delano has not adopted a short-term rental (STR) ordinance. STRs operate under the general residential-use rules of the underlying zone, the city Business Tax Certificate (BTC) requirement, and California's Transient Occupancy Tax authority.

Key details: BTC: Required for all businesses. Specific STR Code: None as of 2026. Contact: Finance Dept (661) 721-3310.

Operating without a BTC is a misdemeanor; HOA violations are civil matters between the operator and association.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Delano gives residents more flexibility on permit requirements.

The Bottom Line

Delano'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 Delano is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Delano's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.