Santa Clarita Permit Requirements Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Unlike many other cities in Los Angeles County, the City of Santa Clarita does not have a specific short-term rental ordinance. There are no permits, licenses, or registration requirements imposed by the city for operating a short-term rental property. Short-term rentals are not restricted by land-use or zoning regulations, meaning hosts can operate in residential zones without a special use permit.

However, hosts are still required to comply with tax obligations. The City of Santa Clarita imposes a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on stays of less than 30 days, which has been in effect since November 8, 1987. Hosts must collect and remit this tax. Business licensing in Santa Clarita is contracted through Los Angeles County, so hosts may need to check with the LA County Treasurer and Tax Collector to determine if their activity requires a county business license.

All short-term rental operations must comply with existing city ordinances including noise limits (Chapter 11.44), parking regulations (Chapter 12.64), and general nuisance provisions. The city periodically evaluates the topic of short-term rental regulation and could consider adopting a formal code in the future. Properties in unincorporated areas near Santa Clarita are subject to the separate LA County STR ordinance effective October 2024.