Alhambra, CA Short-Term Rentals: Registration Rules (2026)

The City's Short-Term Rental Regulations page states all short-term rentals must register with the City, and applications were accepted beginning March 3, 2025 on a first-come, first-served basis limited to 500 total permits. Registration is a three-step process: (1) complete the online Residential Business License with the Finance Department (a non-refundable fee applies); (2) complete and print the STR Permit application from the city website; and (3) submit the complete packet to the Code Enforcement Division at 111 S. 1st Street. Each unit or address requires a separate application and business license, and applicants must submit the business license and STR forms simultaneously. The application form (signed by the host under penalty of perjury per Section 5.92.040(1)) collects the property address and type, the number of bedrooms total and to be rented, whether the host resides on-site while guests are present, full host (owner) contact details, and a designated Local Contact Person who must be available 24/7 and able to respond within 30 minutes. A Building Inspection Information section must be completed by a certified third-party general contractor or building/home inspector (AMC 5.92.040 Section 2) who is not the host or local contact, including at least three photos and a safety checklist (smoke and CO alarms, GFCI outlets, heating, hot water at 120F, secure stairs). A self-certification page requires the host to initial each STR regulation. The acknowledgment states the permit term is one year and must be renewed no later than 30 days after expiration, and that three violations within a 12-month period result in automatic revocation.