Registration Rules: Carson vs Pasadena
How do registration rules rules compare between Carson, CA and Pasadena, CA?
Carson has fewer restrictions than Pasadena.
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 →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 | Carson | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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.
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.
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 Carson 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