Permit Requirements: Downey vs El Monte
How do permit requirements rules compare between Downey, CA and El Monte, CA?
Downey has fewer restrictions than El Monte.
Downey, CA
Los Angeles County
Downey does not currently require a specific STR permit or license. Hosts must comply with general zoning and pay the Transient Occupancy Tax. Some zoning districts may restrict STR use.
View full Downey rules →El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
El Monte does not issue short-term rental permits. The City's Zoning Code (Title 17) prohibits residential rentals of less than 30 consecutive days, and ADUs/JADUs must be rented for terms longer than 30 days, consistent with California Government Code §66314(a)(3).
View full El Monte rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Downey | El Monte |
|---|---|---|
| STR Permit | Not required | - |
| Zoning | Check district restrictions | - |
| TOT Rate | 13% (Measure D, 2022) | - |
| ADU STRs | May be restricted | - |
| STR permit available | - | No — no permitting framework exists |
| Minimum rental term | - | 30+ consecutive days |
| Legal basis | - | El Monte Zoning Code Title 17; Cal. Gov. Code §66314(a)(3) |
| Enforcement contact | - | El Monte Planning Division (626) 580-2070 |
| TOT applicability | - | Hotels only (10% per Title 3) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Downey FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Downey?
Downey does not currently require a specific STR permit or license. Hosts must comply with general zoning and pay the Transient Occupancy Tax. Some zoning districts may restrict STR use.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Downey?
STR Permit: Not required. Zoning: Check district restrictions. TOT Rate: 13% (Measure D, 2022). ADU STRs: May be restricted.
El Monte FAQ
Can I get a permit to rent my El Monte home on Airbnb?
No. The City does not issue short-term rental permits. Residential rentals must be for terms longer than 30 consecutive days under Title 17 of the El Monte Zoning Code.
What if I just register and pay TOT?
TOT (10% under El Monte Title 3) applies to lawful 'hotels.' Paying TOT does not legalize an STR use that is not allowed in residential zoning districts.
Does this apply to ADUs too?
Yes. Per Ord. 2994 and Cal. Gov. Code §66314(a)(3), El Monte ADUs and JADUs must be rented for terms longer than 30 days.
Compare other topics
See how Downey and El Monte 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