Lakewood vs Long Beach
How do primary-residence-only rule rules compare between Lakewood, CA and Long Beach, CA?
Lakewood and Long Beach have similar restriction levels.
Lakewood, CA
Los Angeles County
Unincorporated Los Angeles County limits short-term rentals to the host's primary residence under Title 22.140.290, defined as the dwelling occupied by the host for at least six months of the calendar year.
View full Lakewood rules →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach STR Ordinance limits un-hosted whole-home short-term rentals to a host's bona fide primary residence under LBMC Title 5 Chapter 5.65, with non-primary STRs barred citywide outside narrow legacy exceptions.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lakewood | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Occupancy threshold | 184 days per year | - |
| Proof accepted | Tax filings, license, utilities | - |
| Number allowed | One primary residence countywide | - |
| Excluded units | Second homes, investment properties | - |
| Audit authority | Regional Planning Department | - |
| Code | - | LBMC 5.65 |
| Residency threshold | - | 9 months/year minimum |
| Cap per host | - | One primary STR |
| Proof | - | Utility, ID, voter records |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lakewood FAQ
Can I rent out my Topanga vacation cabin while living in Pasadena?
No. The cabin must be your primary residence under Title 22.140.290. A vacation cabin where you live fewer than 184 days per year cannot be permitted as a short-term rental.
What proof of residency does the County accept?
California driver's license, voter registration, vehicle registration matching the address, federal or state tax returns, and recent utility bills. The Regional Planning Department may demand multiple documents during audits.
Long Beach FAQ
Can I run an STR at a property I don't live in?
Generally no for un-hosted whole-home rentals; only legacy non-primary registrations issued before the cap may continue, and new non-primary applications are not accepted.
What proves a primary residence?
Driver license, voter registration, utility bills, and tax returns showing the STR address as your main home for at least nine months annually.
Compare other topics
See how Lakewood and Long Beach 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