Palm Springs Short-Term Rental Regulations
| Permit | ✓ Required — Vacation Rental Registration Certificate ($1,046) — See below for other permit types |
| Primary Residence | Varies by permit type |
| Annual Day Limit | 6–26 days (varies by permit type) |
| Tax Rate | 12.5% |
| Max Penalty | $5,000 per violation (plus potential permanent license revocation) + revocation risk |
| Insurance | Not required |
New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →
Permit & Licensing
- Vacation Rental Registration Certificate — You don't live at the property ($1,046, 26 days/year)
- Homeshare Registration Certificate — You live in the property and rent part or all of it ($523, 6 days/year)
- Junior Vacation Rental Registration Certificate — You don't live at the property ($1,046)
Vacation Rental Registration Certificate
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial cost | $1,046 |
| Renewal | $1,046 / 1 year |
This permit type does not require primary residence.
Homeshare Registration Certificate
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial cost | $523 |
| Renewal | $523 / 1 year |
The property must be your primary residence. This means investment properties are not eligible for this permit type.
Junior Vacation Rental Registration Certificate
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial cost | $1,046 |
| Renewal | $1,046 / 1 year |
This permit type does not require primary residence.
Application Process
Obtain Vacation Rental/Homeshare Registration Certificate and TOT permit. Online payment through GovOS (since July 1, 2024). Annual renewal required.
Note: Document requirements vary by permit type. See individual permit sections above for eligibility details.
Tax Obligations
| Tax | Rate | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) | 11.5% | City of Palm Springs |
| Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) | 1% | City of Palm Springs |
Combined rate: 12.5% of gross rental income.
Collection: Self-remit. Operators file monthly TOT returns directly with the City of Palm Springs via GovOS online portal.
Filing: Monthly. File with City of Palm Springs via GovOS even if no rental activity occurred.
Rental Limits
Palm Springs annual day limit: 6–26 days (varies by permit type). Each individual stay must be 28 days or fewer per stay.
Zoning & Restrictions
Neighborhood density cap of 20% of residential dwelling units per neighborhood. New applications not accepted in neighborhoods at or above 20%.
Insurance & Safety
Safety & Operating Requirements
- No outside amplified noise (music) allowed at any Vacation Rental or Homeshare property while being rented
- Music must be fully contained within the property at all times
- Property must comply with all applicable codes regarding fire, building and safety, health and safety
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Administrative citations: $1,000 (first violation), $2,000 (second violation within 12 months), $5,000 (third or subsequent violation within 12 months); permanent ineligibility possible for serious violations
Compliance Checklist
Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Palm Springs:
- Determine your permit type. Palm Springs has 3 permit types. Identify which applies to your property (Vacation Rental Registration Certificate, Homeshare Registration Certificate, Junior Vacation Rental Registration Certificate).
- Meet safety requirements. No outside amplified noise (music) allowed at any Vacation Rental or Homeshare property while being rented. Music must be fully contained within the property at all times. Property must comply with all applicable codes regarding fire, building and safety, health and safety.
- Apply for your STR permit. Submit application + $1,046 fee. See permit types above to determine which applies.
- Register for tax accounts. Set up hotel occupancy tax accounts with the city tax authority.
- Collect and remit taxes. 12.5% on all bookings.
- Renew annually. $1,046 renewal fee.