West Covina Permit Requirements Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

West Covina's zoning code (Title 26 of the Municipal Code) governs permitted uses in each zone classification. Short-term rentals — defined as the rental of a residential dwelling unit or any portion thereof for periods of fewer than 30 consecutive days — are not included in the list of permitted, accessory, or conditionally permitted uses in any residential zone. Because the zoning code operates on a permissive basis (uses not listed are prohibited), the absence of short-term rentals from the code constitutes an effective ban.

This means there is no permit application, no licensing fee, no registration process, and no regulatory framework for operating a short-term rental in West Covina. Property owners cannot obtain a conditional use permit, variance, or any other land use entitlement to operate an STR. The prohibition applies to entire-home rentals, individual room rentals, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and garage conversions alike.

West Covina's approach mirrors that of several other eastern San Gabriel Valley cities that have chosen not to create STR regulatory frameworks. The city's Code Enforcement Division actively monitors online platforms including Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, and similar services for West Covina listings. When an STR listing is identified, Code Enforcement issues a notice of violation requiring immediate removal of the listing and cessation of rental activity.

Property owners who wish to rent their residential property must do so for periods of 30 consecutive days or longer, which is classified as a standard residential rental and requires compliance with the city's rental housing regulations. Only hotels and motels operating in zones designated for commercial hospitality use, with proper business licenses and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) accounts, may legally offer short-term stays.