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

Imperial County does not operate a short-term-rental registry or STR business license for unincorporated areas, because no dedicated vacation-rental ordinance has been adopted. The Title 9 Land Use Ordinance contains no STR registration section. The registration that does apply is tax-based: the County's Transient Occupancy Tax (Chapter 4.16 of the Code of Ordinances) applies to occupancy of lodging by "transients" (generally guests staying 30 days or less). Under a standard county TOT framework, operators who furnish lodging to transients must register with the Treasurer–Tax Collector, collect the tax from guests, and remit it to the County. The County confirms the current Transient Occupancy Tax rate is 8% and directs operators to Chapter 4.16. The TOT chapter was established in part by Ordinance 1447 (adopted March 31, 2009). Beyond TOT, any operator running a hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, or guest ranch would also need the appropriate zoning clearance or Conditional Use Permit through Planning & Development Services, but that is a land-use approval rather than an STR registry. Operators should contact the Treasurer–Tax Collector at the number listed on the County tax page to register for TOT before renting.