Permit Requirements: Los Angeles vs Santa Monica
How do permit requirements rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Los Angeles and Santa Monica have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
The Home-Sharing Ordinance (LAMC 12.22 A.32, effective Nov 2019) requires registration with LA City Planning before listing any short-term rental. Only primary residences where the host lives 6+ months per year qualify. Registration costs $89 annually and must be renewed each year. STRs are not permitted in RSO units.
View full Los Angeles rules →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
Santa Monica strictly regulates short-term rentals. A business license and compliance with the city's home-sharing ordinance is required. The city imposes a Transient Occupancy Tax on stays under 30 days. Only home-sharing (host present) is permitted for most units.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | $89/year through City Planning | - |
| Eligibility | Primary residence only (6+ months/year) | - |
| RSO Units | STR prohibited | - |
| Listing Limit | One listing citywide at a time | - |
| Code Section | LAMC 12.22 A.32 | - |
| License | - | Business license required |
| Home-Sharing | - | Host present required for most |
| TOT | - | Transient Occupancy Tax applies |
| Enforcement | - | Active enforcement program |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in los Angeles?
LA Home-Sharing Ordinance (LAMC §12.22.A.33) requires annual registration. Primary residence only. Regular registration $199/yr. Extended Home-Sharing $1,066/yr. 120-day annual cap.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in los Angeles?
Code: LAMC §12.22.A.33. Primary Residence Only: Must occupy 6+ months/year. Regular Fee: $199/year. Extended Fee: $1,066/year (>120 days).
Santa Monica FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica strictly regulates short-term rentals. A business license and compliance with the city's home-sharing ordinance is required. The city imposes a Transient Occupancy Tax on stays under 30 days. Only home-sharing (host present) is permitted for most units.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Santa Monica?
License: Business license required. Home-Sharing: Host present required for most. TOT: Transient Occupancy Tax applies. Enforcement: Active enforcement program.
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