Taxes & Fees: Carson vs Pomona
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Carson, CA and Pomona, CA?
Carson and Pomona 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 →Pomona, CA
Los Angeles County
Pomona charges a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on all short-term rental income. Operators must register with the city and remit TOT payments. The annual STR permit fee is $914.
View full Pomona rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Pomona |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - | 12% |
| Annual Permit Fee | - | $914 |
| Registration | - | Required with Finance Dept. |
| Business License | - | Required |
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.
Pomona FAQ
What is Pomona's TOT rate for short-term rentals?
Pomona charges a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax on all rental income from stays under 30 days.
What does the $914 annual permit fee cover?
The fee covers city staffing and administration costs for STR program oversight, inspections, and compliance monitoring.
Compare other topics
See how Carson and Pomona 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