Registration Rules: Burbank vs Pasadena
How do registration rules rules compare between Burbank, CA and Pasadena, CA?
Burbank and Pasadena have similar restriction levels.
Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
Short-term rentals are effectively banned in Burbank. BMC 10-1-602 does not list STRs as a permitted or conditionally permitted use in R-1 and R-1-H residential zones. No formal permit or registration system exists.
View full Burbank rules →Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Pasadena requires an annual STR permit under Ordinance 7317 (PMC Section 17.50.296). Two permit types exist: Type 1 (hosted, owner on-site) and Type 2 (unhosted, owner off-site). Only primary residences qualify. Hosts must reside at the property at least 9 months per year. Permit fee is $117. TOT of 12.11% plus TBID assessment required.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| STR Status | Effectively banned (BMC 10-1-602) | - |
| Zoning | Not a listed use in R-1 or R-1-H zones | - |
| Permit Available | None | - |
| Contact | Community Development (818) 238-5290 | - |
| Permit Fee | - | $117/year |
| Types | - | Type 1 (hosted) / Type 2 (unhosted) |
| Primary Residence | - | 9+ months/year required |
| Code | - | PMC 17.50.296 (Ord. 7317) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burbank FAQ
Can I register my Burbank home as a short-term rental?
No. There is no registration or licensing program for residential short-term rentals in Burbank. The activity is prohibited in residential zones, so no registration pathway exists.
How does Burbank find out about illegal STR listings?
Code enforcement staff actively monitor platforms like Airbnb and VRBO for Burbank residential listings. Complaints from neighbors also trigger investigations.
If I rent my home for exactly 30 days, is that a short-term rental?
No. Burbank's prohibition covers rentals of fewer than 30 consecutive days. Rentals of 30 or more consecutive days are permitted as standard residential leasing and are not subject to STR rules or the Transient Occupancy Tax.
Pasadena FAQ
Do I need a permit to rent my home short-term in Pasadena?
Yes. An annual STR permit from the Planning Department is required under PMC 17.50.296. The fee is $117 and a notarized affidavit is required.
Can I rent a vacation home as an STR in Pasadena?
No. Only primary residences qualify. You must live at the property at least 9 months per year.
Compare other topics
See how Burbank and Pasadena compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool