Hemet, CA Short-Term Rentals: Repeat Violator Strikes (2026)

Hemet City Code § 18-714 is the strike system for short-term lodging permits, and it applies on top of any fine or administrative citation under § 18-713. The first tier is in subsection (1)(a). If any person violates a permit condition two or more times in any 12-month period, or violates any other provision of the Code, state law or federal law two or more times in any 12-month period, and the violation relates in any way to the permitted unit, the permit can be suspended for six months. The text says any person, so a guest's violation counts when it ties back to the unit.

The second tier is subsection (1)(c). After a suspended permit is reinstated, any violation of a permit condition, the Code, state law or federal law within six months of that reinstatement, again tied to the unit, can lead to revocation. Subsection (1)(d) allows revocation at three or more violations in a 12-month period. Subsection (1)(b) allows revocation for advertising or renting in violation of § 18-703 while the permit is suspended. Failing to collect and remit transient occupancy tax, or giving false information on an application or renewal, are separate revocation grounds under (1)(e) and (1)(f).

Nothing happens automatically. Under subsection (2), the administrative services director investigates, which can include on-site inspections, then serves a written notice of intention under section 1-30 listing the facts and the proposed suspension period. The action takes effect 30 calendar days after the notice unless the owner files a hearing request and pays the hearing fee set by city council resolution. A hearing officer retained by the city hears the case 15 to 60 calendar days after the hearing notice is served. The city manager can suspend or revoke only on a finding that the violation is proven by a preponderance of the evidence, and must decide within 30 calendar days of the hearing. That decision is final. The director can extend any deadline for good cause under subsection (5).

During a suspension the owner must vacate future bookings and remove all advertisements for the unit, and the same duty applies after revocation. After a suspension, the owner can reapply under § 18-705 once every amount owed to the city under the chapter is paid. These rules came from Ordinance No. 2075, adopted April 28, 2026.