Registration Rules: Carson vs Long Beach
How do registration rules rules compare between Carson, CA and Long Beach, CA?
Carson has fewer restrictions than Long Beach.
Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Per Carson Municipal Code §6400, every operator of a hotel — broadly defined to include apartment-style and single-structure rentals to transients — must register with the Tax Administrator within 30 days and obtain a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate that is 'at all times posted in a conspicuous place on the premises.'
View full Carson rules →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
STR registration required under LBMC Chapter 5.77. Primary Residence ($400/yr) or Non-Primary Residence registration (limited to 800 citywide). Operator and property owner jointly responsible.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Registration document | Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate (CMC §6400) | - |
| Issued by | City of Carson Tax Administrator (Revenue Division, (310) 952-1748) | - |
| Posting requirement | Must be posted conspicuously on premises at all times | - |
| Reporting cadence | Monthly TOT remittance | - |
| STR-specific registry | None — no STR-specific registration program | - |
| Code | - | LBMC §5.77 |
| Annual Fee | - | $400 |
| Primary Residence | - | Unhosted max 90 days/yr; hosted unlimited |
| Non-Primary Cap | - | 800 permits citywide |
| Contact Requirement | - | 24/7 local contact, 1-hr response |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carson FAQ
Is there a public Carson STR registry?
No. The only registration is the TOT certificate issued under CMC §6400, which is held by the operator and posted at the property — not a public list.
Do I need both a TOT certificate and a business license?
Yes. The TOT certificate authorizes you to collect the city's 9% transient occupancy tax. A separate City of Carson business license is also required under the city's general business-license provisions.
Are there annual safety inspections?
No. Carson does not require STR-specific annual safety inspections because no dedicated STR ordinance has been adopted; only general building, fire (LACoFD), and code-enforcement standards apply.
Long Beach FAQ
What tax do I need to collect as a Long Beach host?
You must collect a 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on gross rental revenue and remit it monthly to the City.
Does Airbnb collect the tax for me?
Airbnb and similar platforms may collect and remit TOT on your behalf, but you remain legally responsible for ensuring it is properly paid.
What happens if I pay TOT late?
A 25% penalty is assessed after one month delinquent, escalating to 50% after two months.
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