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

Imperial County has not adopted a standalone short-term rental permit. The County's Title 9 Land Use Ordinance, which governs all unincorporated areas, contains no listing for "vacation rental" or "short-term rental" anywhere in its zoning divisions. Instead, renting a dwelling to transients falls under the County's general land-use categories. "Hotels and motels (including bed and breakfasts)" are listed only as permitted uses in commercial zones such as C-1 Light Commercial (§ 90512.01), not in residential zones. "Guest ranches" appear only as a use requiring a Conditional Use Permit in the A-3 Heavy Agriculture zone (§ 90509.02). The R-1 and other residential zones list dwellings and accessory dwelling units as their residential uses, with no transient-lodging category. Because of this, a property owner who wants to operate a true commercial-style visitor lodging would generally need the lot to carry the correct zoning, and a Conditional Use Permit where the zone requires one. There is no online STR-permit portal because the County has not created a short-term-rental program. Owners should confirm the parcel's zoning and any permit path with Imperial County Planning & Development Services before advertising a rental. Separately, anyone renting to transients for 30 days or less must register for and collect the County's 8% Transient Occupancy Tax under Chapter 4.16.