Permit Requirements: Menifee vs Riverside
How do permit requirements rules compare between Menifee, CA and Riverside, CA?
Menifee and Riverside have similar restriction levels.
Menifee, CA
Riverside County
Menifee has no standalone STR permit ordinance, but every STR operator must obtain a City business license under Menifee Code §5.01.040 and register for Transient Occupancy Tax. Short-term rentals are a defined and permitted land use under Title 9 Development Code §9.300.200 (definition of 'Short-Term Rental') — a transient vacation rental in which overnight accommodations are provided in a dwelling for compensation for periods of less than 30 days.
View full Menifee rules →Riverside, CA
Riverside County
Riverside Municipal Code Chapter 5.55 requires every owner or authorized agent of a short-term residential rental (any dwelling rented for 30 consecutive days or less) to obtain a Business Tax Certificate under RMC Chapter 5.04 before renting or advertising the unit.
View full Riverside rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Menifee | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Type | City business license (Code §5.01.040) — no separate STR permit | - |
| New License Fee | $80.49 + $4 CASP fee | - |
| Renewal Fee | $60.36 + $4 CASP fee | - |
| STR Definition | Stay under 30 days for compensation (Dev. Code §9.300.200) | - |
| SB 9 Lots | STR prohibited — 30-day minimum required (Ch. 9.296) | - |
| Permit required | - | Yes - Business Tax Certificate under RMC 5.04 |
| STR definition | - | 30 consecutive days or less |
| Code chapter | - | RMC Chapter 5.55 |
| TOT rate | - | 13% of gross rent |
| Business Tax Office | - | (951) 826-5465 |
| Online portal | - | riversideca.gov/businesstax |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Menifee FAQ
Does Menifee have a dedicated short-term rental permit?
No. As of the most recent Municipal Code and Title 9 Development Code (adopted Dec 18, 2019), Menifee has not enacted a stand-alone STR permit ordinance. STR operators are licensed through the general business-license process under Menifee Code Chapter 5.01 and must register for Transient Occupancy Tax.
Can I run an Airbnb on a property created under SB 9?
No. Menifee Development Code Chapter 9.296 (Urban Lot Split & Two-Unit Development) requires every unit on an SB 9 lot to be rented for 30 days or longer and requires a recorded deed restriction prohibiting any rental under 30 days. This implements Gov. Code §65852.21(a)(4)(B)(ii).
Riverside FAQ
Do I need a permit to run a short-term rental in the City of Riverside?
Yes. RMC Chapter 5.55 requires every owner or authorized agent to obtain a Business Tax Certificate under RMC Chapter 5.04 before renting or advertising a short-term rental. You must also register for the City's 13% Transient Occupancy Tax.
Is Riverside's STR permit the same as the Riverside County STR Certificate?
No. The County's Short-Term Rental Certificate under Ordinance 927 / RCC Chapter 5.84 applies only in unincorporated county areas. Properties inside the City of Riverside follow RMC Chapter 5.55 and need a city Business Tax Certificate, not a county certificate.
How much is the Transient Occupancy Tax?
The City of Riverside TOT is 13% of the rent charged to each transient guest. Returns are due by the 15th of the month following the reporting period and must be filed even if no tax is due.
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