Monterey Park, CA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

Chapter 21.09 of the Monterey Park Municipal Code, adopted by Ordinance 2200 in 2020, governs short-term rentals citywide. Section 21.09.020 defines a short-term rental as a dwelling unit, other than a hotel or motel room, rented for a period shorter than 30 consecutive days. Section 21.09.030 lists what counts as unlawful: operating, maintaining or owning a short-term rental without a valid permit issued under the chapter; renting, offering to rent, or advertising a rental without a valid permit; and advertising a permitted rental without printing the permit number, in the format 'Monterey Park Permit No. __________,' in type at least as large as the largest type in the ad.

The Director, who is the City Planner unless the City Manager designates someone else, receives applications, issues and revokes permits, and administers the chapter under § 21.09.040. An application under § 21.09.070 needs an application fee, a nuisance response plan, a transient occupancy registration certificate, proof of insurance, a $1,500 surety bond, and written proof that neighbors within 200 feet were notified at least 30 days before filing. Once issued, a permit can be revoked under § 21.09.160 for undisclosed facts that would have supported denial or for violations of the permit's terms, with a right to administrative appeal, and the Director or a sworn public safety officer can emergency-suspend a permit under § 21.09.170 to protect public safety.