Hawthorne, CA Short-Term Rentals: Permit Requirements (2026)

Hawthorne does not ban short-term rentals, but it regulates them through Chapter 17.74 of its own Municipal Code rather than relying on Los Angeles County rules. A short-term rental is defined as renting a dwelling for periods of 30 consecutive days or less, treated as an accessory use of either a primary residence (with the host living on-site) or a secondary residence owned by someone whose primary residence is in Hawthorne. Permits are issued by the Planning Department. Short-term rentals are permitted in single-family residences, duplexes, triplexes, planned unit developments, and multifamily residential buildings with no more than four dwelling units; they are not allowed in Section 8 housing, in accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and related structures, or in any industrial or commercial zone. Applicants must submit a notarized affidavit attesting the unit meets fire and building safety standards (smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, adequate egress), proof of a current business license under Chapter 5.02, a transient occupancy tax registration certificate under Chapter 3.40, and proof of liability insurance. Permits must be renewed annually by showing substantial compliance, including payment of business license taxes and regular collection and remittance of transient occupancy tax. The unit must be made available for city inspection with 24 hours' advance notice. This is stricter than statewide California law, which sets no permit mandate and leaves licensing to each city.