Palm Desert, CA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

Palm Desert Municipal Code § 5.10.050 creates two permit types, on-site and off-site, and says an owner, host or operator must obtain one to advertise, rent or otherwise operate any short-term rental unit. When issued, the permit also serves as the transient occupancy registration permit under Section 3.28.060, if the applicant meets Chapter 5.10 and Chapter 3.28.

Section 5.10.060 sets the process. The application lists the owner and the operator with name, address, valid email address and telephone number, the address of the unit, the number of bedrooms with the overnight and daytime occupancy limit, and an acknowledgement of receiving and inspecting the Good Neighbor Brochure. An application processing fee is set by resolution of the city council. A permit is not granted for a property that does not qualify under Section 5.10.070, and no permit is issued or renewed while there are unresolved city code compliance cases, outstanding city fines or fees, or city liens on the property. The city can inspect the unit before issuing any new or renewal permit and can deny an application if the applicant had a prior permit suspended or revoked.

Permits run on an annual cycle. A permit that is not renewed within thirty calendar days of its expiration date is terminated. Renewal is denied if the unit no longer qualifies, and a permit is not renewed if the unit was not actively operating in the prior calendar year, which Section 5.10.030 defines as rented out or occupied for a total of more than eighteen days per calendar year. A new owner has thirty days after a change of ownership to apply and must hold the new permit before renting again. Any change in application information must be reported to the city in writing within thirty days.

Section 5.10.070 limits where permits issue. On-site permits are available in RE, R-1M, R-1, R-2, R-3, HPR and PR (with Functioning HOA conditions), DEO, DE and D, and apartments, accessory dwelling units, junior accessory dwelling units and units with one bedroom or less are prohibited for on-site rentals. Every advertisement must carry the permit number under § 5.10.090.C.