Taxes & Fees: Carson vs Compton
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Carson, CA and Compton, CA?
Carson and Compton have similar restriction levels.
Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Carson has no STR-specific ordinance in its Municipal Code (eCode360 portal, current through January 6, 2026). However, California Revenue & Taxation Code §7280 authorizes any city to levy a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on lodging of 30 days or fewer, and Carson imposes a business license tax on persons engaged in business in the city (Carson Municipal Code Article VI — Business Licenses, accessed via eCode360 CA4377). Any rental of fewer than 30 days is a 'transient' occupancy excluded from residential tenancy protections (Cal. Civ. Code §1940(b)).
View full Carson rules →Compton, CA
Los Angeles County
Compton levies a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax on rental stays under 31 consecutive days. Hosts must collect and remit TOT on all qualifying bookings.
View full Compton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Compton |
|---|---|---|
| STR-specific ordinance | None in Carson Municipal Code (eCode360 CA4377, current Jan 6, 2026) | - |
| Business license | Required for any person engaged in business in the city (CMC Article VI) | - |
| TOT authority | Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code §7280 — cities may tax stays of 30 days or fewer | - |
| Transient definition | Stay of 30 days or less (Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code §7280; Cal. Civ. Code §1940(b)) | - |
| Contact | Carson Finance Department (310) 830-7600 for license and TOT registration | - |
| TOT Rate | - | 10% |
| Applies To | - | Stays under 31 days |
| Business License | - | Required |
| Registration | - | Finance Department |
| Planning Div. | - | (310) 605-5535 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carson FAQ
Does Carson have a short-term rental ordinance?
No. The Carson Municipal Code (eCode360, current through January 6, 2026) does not contain a dedicated STR ordinance. Hosts must rely on general business-license, zoning, and California state law (Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code §7280; Cal. Civ. Code §1940(b)).
Do I need to collect Transient Occupancy Tax?
Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code §7280 authorizes cities to levy TOT on stays of 30 days or fewer. Contact the Carson Finance Department at (310) 830-7600 to confirm whether TOT applies to residential STRs and the current rate.
Do I need a Carson business license?
Yes. Carson Municipal Code Article VI requires a business license for any person engaged in business in the city, including operating a short-term rental.
Compton FAQ
What is Compton's TOT rate?
Compton charges a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax on all rental stays under 31 consecutive days.
Who needs to collect TOT in Compton?
All operators of transient lodging must collect and remit the 10% TOT. This primarily applies to hotels and motels since residential STRs are largely prohibited.
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