Carson has no STR-specific ordinance in its Municipal Code (eCode360 portal, current through January 6, 2026). However, California Revenue & Taxation Code §7280 authorizes any city to levy a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on lodging of 30 days or fewer, and Carson imposes a business license tax on persons engaged in business in the city (Carson Municipal Code Article VI — Business Licenses, accessed via eCode360 CA4377). Any rental of fewer than 30 days is a 'transient' occupancy excluded from residential tenancy protections (Cal. Civ. Code §1940(b)).
Without a dedicated STR ordinance, hosts in Carson should: (1) obtain a City of Carson business license through the Finance Department before operating; (2) register and remit TOT if the City levies one on residential transient lodging — confirm the current rate and registration form with Carson Finance at (310) 830-7600; (3) comply with the underlying zoning of the dwelling (Carson Municipal Code Article IX Chapter 1, eCode360 §47274121) — STRs are not separately listed as a permitted use, so operators rely on the residential-use classification of the dwelling and any home-occupation rules. Platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo) may collect state and local taxes on behalf of hosts where collection agreements exist. Stays of 31+ days are not subject to TOT (Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code §7280(a)).
Operating without a Carson business license is a code violation under Article VI subject to administrative citation and back-tax assessment. Failure to remit TOT (if levied) exposes the operator to penalties and interest under the city's TOT ordinance and Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code §7280.5.
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