Taxes & Fees: South Gate vs Torrance
How do taxes & fees rules compare between South Gate, CA and Torrance, CA?
South Gate and Torrance have similar restriction levels.
South Gate, CA
Los Angeles County
South Gate permits short-term rentals of single-family residences subject to operating standards adopted by City Council Ordinance No. 2021-01-CC. Operators must obtain (1) a South Gate business license under South Gate Municipal Code Chapter 2.08 (Business License Tax) and (2) a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate, with the city imposing a 10% TOT on the rental amount for any stay of less than 31 days, consistent with the city's TOT authority under Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code §7280.
View full South Gate rules →Torrance, CA
Los Angeles County
Torrance requires STR operators to collect and remit Uniform Occupancy Tax (UOT/TOT) quarterly under TMC Chapter 22. A business license and $225 permit fee are also required.
View full Torrance rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | South Gate | Torrance |
|---|---|---|
| Governing ordinance | South Gate Ordinance No. 2021-01-CC (STR operating standards) | - |
| TOT rate | 10% on stays of less than 31 days | - |
| Business license | Required under SGMC Chapter 2.08 (Business License Tax) | - |
| TOT certificate | Required before listing; issued by South Gate Finance Department | - |
| State authority | Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code §7280 (TOT enabling) | - |
| Long-stay exemption | 31+ consecutive days exempt (Cal. Civ. Code §1940(b)) | - |
| Code Section | - | TMC §92.43, Ch. 22 |
| Permit Fee | - | $225 one-time |
| Tax Filing | - | Quarterly UOT returns |
| Business License | - | Required (310) 618-5828 |
| Revenue Division | - | (310) 618-5830 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
South Gate FAQ
What tax do South Gate STR hosts pay?
A 10% Transient Occupancy Tax on the rental amount for any stay of less than 31 days, in addition to a city business license under SGMC Chapter 2.08.
Do I need both a business license and a TOT certificate?
Yes. Under Ordinance No. 2021-01-CC, STR operators must hold a South Gate business license (SGMC Chapter 2.08) and a separate TOT certificate from the Finance Department before renting.
What about long-term stays?
Stays of 31 consecutive days or more are not 'transient' under Cal. Civ. Code §1940(b) and Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code §7280, so no TOT applies.
Torrance FAQ
What taxes do I owe on short-term rental income in Torrance?
Torrance requires STR operators to collect and remit Uniform Occupancy Tax (UOT/TOT) quarterly under TMC Chapter 22. A business license and $225 permit fee are also required.
How much is the short-term rental license fee in Torrance?
Code Section: TMC §92.43, Ch. 22. Permit Fee: $225 one-time. Tax Filing: Quarterly UOT returns. Business License: Required (310) 618-5828.
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