Palos Verdes Peninsula, California Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Short-term rentals are explicitly PROHIBITED in the Palos Verdes Peninsula. This includes both major cities on the peninsula: Rancho Palos Verdes (RPV) and Palos Verdes Estates. The prohibition applies to all residential zoning districts within these cities, including both single-family and multi-family zones.

While the Palos Verdes Peninsula is an attractive market with stunning coastal views, upscale neighborhoods, and proximity to Los Angeles, STR operations are not legally viable in this jurisdiction. Both cities have enacted comprehensive bans on short-term rentals, with significant enforcement mechanisms and penalties for violations.

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

You cannot legally start a short-term rental business in the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

The market is closed to STR investors due to the explicit prohibition in both cities. Any attempt to operate a short-term rental would be subject to significant fines and legal action. This prohibition has been in effect since 2016-2017, with both cities having codified the bans through their municipal ordinances.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Since short-term rentals are prohibited, no documents, permits, or licenses are available or required for STR operations. Operating an STR in the Palos Verdes Peninsula would be a violation of the law, not a regulated activity.

Any advertising of short-term rentals in residential zoning districts is also explicitly prohibited, as stated in the ordinances. The cities have created a legal framework that entirely excludes this use from residential zones.

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Rancho Palos Verdes (RPV)

Short-term rentals are prohibited in all residential zoning districts (both single-family and multi-family).
Advertising is prohibited: The city has banned the advertisement of short-term rentals in residential zones.
Definitions: The city has codified definitions of short-term rentals, advertisements, and responsible parties to ensure clear enforcement.
Enforcement actions:
- First citation: $2,500 fine
- Second citation: $5,000 fine
- Third citation: $7,500 fine

Key Ordinances:

Ordinance No. 592U (December 20, 2016) – Established the prohibition and advertising ban
Ordinance No. 593 (January 17, 2017) – Affirmed the prohibition and codified definitions
Administrative citation schedule established to enforce the prohibition

Palos Verdes Estates

Short-term or vacation rentals are prohibited in both R-1 (single-family) and R-M (multi-family) zones.
Advertising prohibition: The city has banned advertisements of prohibited rentals.
Definition: Short-term or vacation rental means rental, for compensation, of all or any part of any lot or dwelling unit to visitors for events or gatherings (including weddings, banquets, parties) OR for lodging for less than 30 days.
Exceptions: Bed and breakfast inns may be allowed as specifically provided in the code.

Key Ordinance:

Ordinance No. O19-739 (October 22, 2019) – Updated the municipal code to explicitly prohibit short-term or vacation rentals in residential zones and repealed sections allowing commercial events in residential zones.

Contact Information

Rancho Palos Verdes

Code Enforcement Division

Phone: (310) 544-5281
Email: codeenforcement@rpvca.gov
Address: 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275-5391

Planning Department

Project Planner: Octavio Silva, Senior Planner
Email: octavios@rpvca.gov
Phone: (310) 544-5234

City Contact Information

Main Phone: (310) 544-5200
City Address: 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Palos Verdes Estates

For specific contact information regarding short-term rental enforcement in Palos Verdes Estates, please refer to the city's municipal code or contact the city directly.

Sources

Important Note

While some third-party sources may mention permits or Transient Occupancy Tax requirements for the Palos Verdes Peninsula, these are outdated or incorrect based on the current municipal code. The explicit prohibition in both cities takes precedence, and any STR operation would be illegal and subject to significant fines. Investors should be aware that the regulatory environment in this market is hostile to short-term rental operations.

The Palos Verdes Peninsula maintains strict residential zoning protections, prioritizing neighborhood character and community integrity over short-term rental income potential. This regulatory environment is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future, as both cities have reinforced their positions through multiple ordinances and enforcement mechanisms.

The Palos Verdes Peninsula (Palos Verdes, Spanish for "Green Sticks [trees]") is a peninsula and sub-region of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, located within southwestern Los Angeles County in the U.S. state of California. Located in the South Bay region, the peninsula contains a group of cities in the Palos Verdes Hills, including Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates, as well as the unincorporated community of Westfield/Academy Hill. The South Bay city of Torrance borders the peninsula on the north, the Pacific Ocean is on the west and south, and the Port of Los Angeles is east. As of the 2010 Census, the population of the Palos Verdes Peninsula is 65,008. The hill cities on the peninsula are known for dramatic ocean and city views, distinguished schools, extensive horse trails, and high value homes.

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