Indio, CA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Overnight formula
- 4 persons + 2 per bedroom (§ 37.012(B))
- Maximum overnight
- 20 guests for homes with 8+ bedrooms
- Overnight hours
- Defined as 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. (§ 37.012(B))
- Daytime gathering
- Up to 40 only on lots ≥ 14,500 sq ft; no event permit needed (§ 37.012(B)(2))
- Special event permit
- Required for 25-39 on smaller lots or 41+ on any lot (§ 37.012(B)(3))
- Bedroom verification
- City verifies bedroom count vs. certificate of occupancy (§ 37.006)
Summary
Indio caps overnight short-term rental occupancy at four persons plus two per bedroom, topping out at 20 guests for homes with 8+ bedrooms (Section 37.012(B)). Daytime gatherings up to 40 are allowed only on lots of 14,500 sq ft or more; gatherings of 25-39 on smaller lots, or 41+ on any lot, need a special event permit.
The owner shall limit overnight occupancy of the short-term rental to a specific number of occupants. Overnight occupancy shall not exceed four persons plus no more than two persons per bedroom within each short-term rental as set forth in the chart below. As used in this section, OVERNIGHT OCCUPANCY shall mean during the hours of 10:00 p.m. through 8:00 a.m. of the following day.
Full Breakdown
012(B) of the Indio Municipal Code sets the overnight occupancy formula: occupancy may not exceed four persons plus no more than two persons per bedroom. A published chart runs from 4 overnight guests for a studio, to 6 for one bedroom, 8 for two, 10 for three, 12 for four, 14 for five, 16 for six, 18 for seven, and a maximum of 20 overnight guests for homes with eight or more bedrooms. the following day. 012(B)(2) allows a short-term rental on a parcel of 14,500 square feet or more to host a gathering of up to and including 40 persons without a special event permit, provided all other operational standards are met. 021. 006 verifies the permitted bedroom count against the certificate of occupancy so owners cannot convert garages or dens to inflate capacity. 004(C)). 012(G)).
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the posted occupancy limit is a violation of Chapter 37 enforceable as a misdemeanor or by administrative citation under Chapter 12, with each day a separate offense (Section 37.019). Hosting an over-threshold gathering without a required special event permit violates Section 37.012(B)(3) and Section 37.015(K). Repeated noise- or permit-related violations can lead to revocation under Section 37.016.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many guests can stay overnight in an Indio short-term rental?
Can I host a big party at my Indio rental?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indio
California rules heatmap·Compare Indio to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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Occupancy Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle occupancy limits.