Registration Rules: El Monte vs Santa Monica
How do registration rules rules compare between El Monte, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
El Monte and Santa Monica have similar restriction levels.
El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
El Monte operates no short-term rental registration system. Because residential rentals under 30 days are not an allowed use under Title 17 Zoning, there is nothing to register and no business-tax certificate available for STR activity.
View full El Monte rules →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
Santa Monica has one of the strictest short-term rental laws in the nation. Chapter 6.20 (adopted May 2015) prohibits vacation rentals and allows only hosted home-sharing with mandatory registration, a business license, and TOT collection. Only primary residents may home-share while living on-site.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Monte | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Registration required | No program exists — STRs are prohibited | - |
| Business license for STR | Not issued — zoning use not allowed | - |
| Platform listing legality | Illegal under Title 17 | - |
| Comparable LA County cities with registries | Los Angeles, Santa Monica (not El Monte) | - |
| Vacation Rentals | - | Prohibited |
| Home-Sharing | - | Host must live on-site |
| Registration | - | Business license required |
| Code | - | SMMC Ch. 6.20 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Monte FAQ
Is there an STR registry I can sign up for in El Monte?
No. El Monte has not adopted a home-sharing or STR registration ordinance. There is no permit, license, or registry that authorizes rentals under 30 days.
Can I get a business license to operate an STR?
No. The City's Business License Division will not issue a license for a use that is not permitted in the applicable zoning district under Title 17.
What if I already have a listing on Airbnb?
Remove the listing or convert to 30+ day stays. Code Enforcement actively monitors platforms and responds to complaints with administrative citations and abatement orders.
Santa Monica FAQ
Can I rent my entire home on Airbnb in Santa Monica?
No. Vacation rentals (whole-home rentals for fewer than 30 days) are strictly prohibited. Only hosted home-sharing is allowed, where you live on-site during the guest's stay.
What do I need to legally home-share in Santa Monica?
A Home-Share Business License, City registration, TOT collection, primary residence status, and on-site presence during all guest stays. Apply through the Finance Department.
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