Executive Summary: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Clovis, CA?

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Clovis, California, subject to comprehensive regulations. STRs are permitted as home occupations under Chapter 9.58 of the Clovis Municipal Code, which provides a detailed regulatory framework for their operation. The city has established clear operational standards, permitting requirements, and tax obligations that investors must understand and comply with.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Clovis, CA

Step-by-Step Process

1. Property Eligibility Assessment

   • Verify the property is in a residential zoning district
   • Confirm you have legal title or leasehold interest
   • Ensure the dwelling meets habitability standards
   • For rental properties, obtain written authorization from property owner/management

2. Home Occupation Permit Application

   • Submit application to the Planning Division with detailed, fully-dimensioned floor plans
   • Include supporting materials as specified in department handouts
   • Pay applicable permit fees per City Fee Schedule
   • No public notice required for standard applications

3. Business Registration

   • Obtain Clovis business registration and business tax certificate
   • Complete within 10 days of home occupation permit approval
   • Maintain current registration at all times

4. TOT Registration and Setup

   • Register with the city's TOT processing center
   • Set up systems to collect and remit 12% transient occupancy tax
   • Designate responsible party for tax collection and remittance

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Licenses

Home Occupation Permit for Short-Term Rental

• Application to Planning Division
• Detailed floor plans and site information
• Property owner authorization (if applicable)
• Processing time: Director decision within 10 days of completed application
• Appeal rights available to Planning Commission within 15 days

Business Registration

• Clovis business tax certificate
• Must be obtained immediately after permit approval
• Annual renewal required with business tax certificate

TOT Registration

• Transient Occupancy Tax registration
• Responsible party designation for tax collection
• Monthly/quarterly filing obligations

Supporting Documentation Requirements

• Written property owner authorization (for rental properties)
• Detailed floor plans with dimensions
• Contact information for 24/7 local contact person
• Evidence of compliance with fire, building, and safety codes
• Insurance documentation (recommended)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Operational Standards

Definitions

• Short-term rental: rental of dwelling for less than 30 consecutive days
• Local contact person: designated individual available 24/7 to respond to complaints
• Operator: owner or designated agent responsible for compliance
• Owner: legal or equitable title holder (includes lessees)

Core Operational Requirements

1. 24/7 Availability

   • Owner or local contact person must be available by phone 24/7
   • Must respond to complaints within 45 minutes
   • Must be on-premises within 45 minutes when requested by enforcement

2. Notification to Neighbors

   • Within 10 days of permit issuance, mail/deliver contact information to:
     • All property owners contiguous to the STR property
     • Property owners directly across the street, alley, or other right-of-way
   • Provide updated information within 30 days of any changes
   • Submit signed certification under penalty of perjury of notification completion

Occupancy Limits

| Bedrooms | Maximum Occupants | |----------|------------------| | Studio (0) | 2 | | 1 | 4 | | 2 | 7 | | 3 | 9 | | 4 | 11 | | 5 | 13 | | 6 | 15 | | 7 | 17 | | 8+ | 19 |

Additional Occupancy Rules

• Maximum 19 occupants for any dwelling with more than 8 bedrooms
• Permit may specify lower occupancy limits
• Must advertise maximum occupancy in all marketing materials

Use Restrictions

Permitted Uses

• Overnight lodging accommodations only
• Maximum occupancy per established limits

Prohibited Uses

• Weddings, receptions, parties
• Commercial functions or conferences
• Events exceeding occupancy limits
• Use of garages, tents, camper trailers, RVs, or exterior structures
• Any use beyond lodging purposes

Parking Requirements

• Maximum vehicles limited to available off-street parking spaces
• Minimum requirement: 2 off-street parking spaces
• Vehicles must park only in approved driveway or garage
• No parking on landscaped areas, sidewalks, or public rights-of-way
• No blocking of driveways or street access

Noise and Quiet Hours

Sound Restrictions

• No amplified sound audible outside between 10:00 PM and 9:00 AM
• No outdoor musical instruments, loudspeakers, or sound devices audible outside during quiet hours

Quiet Time (10:00 PM - 9:00 AM)

• All outdoor activities must cease
• Swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, courts, and play equipment use prohibited
• All activities must remain inside STR units to prevent neighborhood disturbance

Property Maintenance

Trash and Refuse

• Trash must not be visible except in proper collection containers
• Containers may be placed curbside only on collection day
• Containers must be removed by noon the following day
• Property must be free of debris on-site and in adjacent street areas
• Owner must provide sufficient trash collection containers and service

Advertising Requirements

Permit Number Display

• All advertising must include City-issued permit number
• No advertising permitted without approved home occupation permit
• Advertising includes any written publication or website listing

Information Display

• Must advertise maximum occupancy limits
• Must include contact information for local contact person or owner

Signage Restrictions

• No on-site exterior signs advertising STR availability
• One wall-mounted sign (maximum 2 square feet) allowed for home occupation
• Sign limited to contact information and home occupation name only

Multiple Unit Restrictions

• Maximum one STR unit per address in multiple-family complexes
• Applies to buildings with two or more residential units
• Only one home occupation permitted per dwelling

Tax Obligations

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)

• Rate: 12% of gross rent (includes room rate and associated charges)
• Collected by operator at same time as rent collection
• Remitted to city per established filing schedule
• Separate from but in addition to business tax certificate requirements

Contact Information for Local Authority

Transient Occupancy Tax Administration

TOT Processing Center

• Phone: (559) 342-8751
• Email: clovisTOT@HdLgov.com
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM
• Website: clovis.hdlgov.com/
• Address: City of Clovis, Lodging Tax Processing Center, 8839 N. Cedar Ave #212, Fresno, CA, 93720

Business Licensing

Business License Portal

• Website: businesslicense.cityofclovis.com/
• Phone: (559) 324-2060 (City Clerk's Office)

Planning Division (Home Occupation Permits)

Planning & Development Department

• Phone: (559) 324-2340
• Address: Planning Division, City of Clovis

City Clerk

• Phone: (559) 324-2060
• For municipal code inquiries and permit appeals

Important Regulatory Updates and Considerations

Current Policy Environment

Based on recent city reports and council discussions, Clovis is actively reviewing STR regulations due to:

• Higher-than-normal demand for police and fire services
• Neighborhood safety and quality concerns
• Revenue considerations compared to traditional hotel operations

Recent Enforcement Activity

• City estimates 137 STR units as of 2024
• Approximately 150 annual police calls from STRs (double hotel rate per unit)
• City has partnered with technology companies to identify non-compliant properties
• Recent compliance efforts brought 99 properties into regulatory compliance

Revenue Impact

• Average hotel room generates ~$4,290 annually in TOT
• STR units generate ~$753 annually per unit in TOT
• Total STR revenue to city: approximately $200,000 annually
• City projecting increased revenues with enhanced regulation

Source Links

• Clovis Municipal Code Chapter 9.58: www.codepublishing.com/CA/Clovis/html/Clovis09/Clovis0958.html
• City of Clovis TOT Information: www.clovisca.gov/services/finance/transient_occupancy_tax_tot.php
• 2024 GV Wire Report on STR Regulations: gvwire.com/2024/11/11/clovis-wants-to-rein-in-short-term-rentals-hearing-tuesday/
• Measure B TOT Rate Increase Documentation: www.fresnocountyca.gov/files/sharedassets/county/v/1/county-clerk-registrar-of-voters/1_election-pages/old-elections/2022_11/70190-nov-2022-measure-b-eng.pdf

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of STR regulations in Clovis, CA as of the information provided. Investors should verify current requirements with the City of Clovis before proceeding with any STR investment or operation.