Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Arcadia, California?

EXPLICIT ANSWER: No, short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in Arcadia, California.

The City of Arcadia has implemented a comprehensive ban on all short-term rental activities. According to Ordinance No. 2348, which amended the Arcadia Municipal Code, the following are explicitly prohibited:

• Short-term rentals (rentals for less than 28 consecutive days)
• Home sharing (renting while the primary resident remains on-site)
• Advertisement of any short-term rental or home sharing services

This prohibition applies to all zones allowing residential uses throughout the city.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Given the legal prohibitions, starting a short-term rental business in Arcadia city limits is not possible.

However, investors may consider the following alternatives:

• Properties located in unincorporated Los Angeles County (outside Arcadia city limits)
• Long-term rental strategies (30+ day minimum stays)
• Traditional leasing arrangements
• Alternative investment markets with favorable STR regulations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

For Arcadia (Prohibited):

No documents, permits, or licenses are available or required for short-term rentals in Arcadia because they are explicitly prohibited by municipal ordinance. Any attempt to operate an STR in Arcadia would be illegal regardless of permits or registrations.

For Reference Only - Unincorporated LA County:

While not applicable to Arcadia, unincorporated LA County requires:

• Short-Term Rental Registration Certificate
• Transient Occupancy Tax collection and remittance
• Business license compliance
• Contact: (213) 974-2011 or STRental@ttc.lacounty.gov

Specific Regulations

City of Arcadia - Ordinance No. 2348

Definitions:

• Short-Term Rental: A use in which a dwelling, or portion thereof, is rented for tourist or transient purposes for compensation for a period of less than 28 consecutive calendar days, with exclusive use granted to the renter.
• Home Sharing: A use in which a dwelling, or portion thereof, is rented for tourist or transient purposes for compensation for a period of less than 28 consecutive calendar days, with the primary resident remaining on-site during the rental period.

Prohibitions:

• All short-term rentals and home sharing are prohibited in all zones allowing residential uses
• Advertising, posting, publishing, circulating, or broadcasting any advertisement for short-term rentals or home sharing is unlawful
• Violations are considered infractions and subject to administrative citations

Enforcement:

• Code Services Division monitors and enforces compliance
• Property owners are strictly liable regardless of intent
• Administrative citations and penalties apply

County and State Regulations

Los Angeles County (Unincorporated Areas):

• Different regulations apply to unincorporated county areas
• STR registration certificate required for properties outside city limits
• Transient Occupancy Tax applies

State of California:

• Cities retain authority to regulate short-term rentals
• California has no statewide prohibition or requirement for STRs
• Local municipal codes control STR legality

Enforcement Contact Information

City of Arcadia - Code Services Division

Primary Contact:

• Phone: (626) 574-5432
• Email: DSDCodeServices@ArcadiaCA.gov
• Address: 240 West Huntington Dr., Arcadia, CA 91007

Specific Staff Contacts:

• Kenneth Fields, CBO, CASp - Building Official: (626) 574-5432, kfields@ArcadiaCA.gov
• Matthew Perreault - Code Services Supervisor: (626) 574-5436, mperreault@ArcadiaCA.gov
• Gustavo Villa - Code Services Officer: (626) 574-5421, gvilla@ArcadiaCA.gov
• Mark Rodriguez - Senior Code Services Officer: (626) 574-5452, marodriguez@ArcadiaCA.gov

Hours of Operation:

• Monday - Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Alternate Fridays: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Phone: (626) 574-5400

Commercial Contradictions

Important Note: Third-party websites may contradict the official city regulations by claiming that Arcadia allows STRs with proper licensing. These sources appear to be outdated or incorrect. Always rely on official city sources for the most current legal requirements.

Source Links

Primary Legal Sources:

• Arcadia Code Services & Enforcement
• Ordinance No. 2348 - Short-Term Rental Prohibition
• Code Compliance Guide - Short-Term Rentals/Boarding Houses

For Reference Only - County Information:

• LA County Short-Term Rental Registration - Note: This applies only to unincorporated LA County, not Arcadia city

Investment Implications

Arcadia's explicit prohibition of short-term rentals represents a significant regulatory barrier for STR investors. The city's proactive stance, implemented in 2017, demonstrates a commitment to preserving residential neighborhood character. Investors considering the Arcadia market should:

1. Focus on long-term rental strategies
2. Explore neighboring jurisdictions with favorable STR regulations
3. Verify the specific jurisdiction of any property (incorporated city vs. unincorporated county)
4. Consult with local real estate professionals familiar with Arcadia's regulations

The definitive prohibition, as established by Ordinance No. 2348, provides clear regulatory certainty but eliminates STR as a permitted use in this market.