Registration Rules: Burbank vs Santa Monica
How do registration rules rules compare between Burbank, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Burbank and Santa Monica 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 →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
Santa Monica has one of the strictest short-term rental laws in the nation. Chapter 6.20 (adopted May 2015) prohibits vacation rentals and allows only hosted home-sharing with mandatory registration, a business license, and TOT collection. Only primary residents may home-share while living on-site.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Vacation Rentals | - | Prohibited |
| Home-Sharing | - | Host must live on-site |
| Registration | - | Business license required |
| Code | - | SMMC Ch. 6.20 |
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.
Santa Monica FAQ
Can I rent my entire home on Airbnb in Santa Monica?
No. Vacation rentals (whole-home rentals for fewer than 30 days) are strictly prohibited. Only hosted home-sharing is allowed, where you live on-site during the guest's stay.
What do I need to legally home-share in Santa Monica?
A Home-Share Business License, City registration, TOT collection, primary residence status, and on-site presence during all guest stays. Apply through the Finance Department.
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