Short-term rental permit rules in Altadena, CA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Altadena STRs must register annually with the LA County Treasurer & Tax Collector under LA County Code Chapter 7.96 (Title 7, Division 3). Registration is limited to a Host's Primary Residence — ADUs and vacation rentals are ineligible.
Ordinance 2024-0017 added Chapter 7.96 to Title 7 of the LA County Code in March 2024, taking effect for unincorporated areas including Altadena. Section 7.96.040 requires the Host to submit an application to the Tax Collector, pay the $914 annual registration fee, and sign an affidavit affirming the property is their Primary Residence (occupied ≥275 days/year). The certificate is non-transferable, valid one year, and immediately void on any ownership change. Section 7.96.050 makes ADUs, Rent-Restricted Primary Residences, Vacation Rentals, guesthouses, pool houses, and recreation rooms ineligible.
Section 7.96.090 makes each day of unregistered operation a separate violation. Administrative fines under Ch. 1.25 escalate up to the $914 registration fee per day. Hosting platforms face up to $1,000/day per listing for processing bookings without a valid certificate.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
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