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

The Rialto Municipal Code contains no dedicated short-term rental chapter, and Title 18 (Zoning) has no STR-specific use regulations. Instead, short-term rental activity is captured by two general requirements. First, RMC Chapter 5.70 (Hotel, Motel, Rooming, Lodging, Boarding, Apartments and Rental Property) makes it unlawful to carry on the business of renting or leasing rooms, dwelling units, or transient occupancy facilities without first procuring a City business license; RMC 5.70.040 expressly covers rentals 'by day, week, month or year.' The City's published Business License Classifications and Requirements document places hotels, motels, and residential dwelling rentals under the Rental Income Property classification, requiring an ID, Articles of Incorporation and/or Fictitious Business Name Statement, and a Business License Questionnaire. Per the City's Business Licensing page, new-application administration costs $47.30, renewal administration $32.40, plus a $4.00 state fee, with the business license tax calculated per City fee schedule. Second, RMC 3.08.060 requires every operator renting occupancy to transients (stays of 30 consecutive days or less) to register with the tax administrator within 30 days of commencing business and to post a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate conspicuously on the premises. Applications are processed by the Business License Division, 150 S. Palm Avenue, with a stated 20-business-day review period.