Overview: Are STRs allowed in Riverside, CA?

• Yes. Short‑term rentals are allowed in unincorporated Riverside County with a county-issued short‑term rental certificate. The city of Riverside may have its own rules; this guide covers county requirements that apply to properties located outside incorporated city limits. If your property is inside the city of Riverside, you must also comply with city ordinances.

How to start a short‑term rental business in this market

1. Confirm eligibility and land use

• Confirm the subject property is in unincorporated Riverside County; check zoning and overlays with the Riverside County Planning Department (RCTLMA) to ensure STRs are permitted on the parcel.
• Properties operated as STRs must comply with county safety codes and building standards.

2. Apply for a Riverside County Short‑Term Rental Certificate

• Certificate is required for rentals of fewer than 30 nights.
• Apply using the appropriate application:
  • Homeowner Short‑Term Rental Application (PDF)
  • Management Company Information Application (PDF)
• Submit in person or by mail to the Desert Permit Assistance Center:
  • County of Riverside, Desert Permit Assistance Center
  • 77588 El Duna Ct., Suite H, Palm Desert, CA 92211
  • Attention: Cindy Gosselin; Phone: 760-799-5748
• Fees (as stated by Riverside County sources):
  • Initial certificate fee: $250
  • Annual renewal fee: $100
• License expires one year from issue date; renewal required annually.

3. Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)

• Riverside County TOT rate: 10% of gross rent.
• Register with the Riverside County Treasurer‑Tax Collector and remit TOT (monthly or quarterly remittance schedules may apply depending on volume).

4. Operational readiness and onsite posting

• Designate a local contact person who can respond to issues within 60 minutes, 24/7 while the unit is occupied.
• Confirm trash collection day and rules for the address.
• Prepare and post the required information in a prominent location inside the unit.

5. Add your registration number to your listing

• Once issued, place the registration number on your listing (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO) and in your booking confirmations.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• Riverside County Short‑Term Rental Certificate (homeowner or management company application).
• TOT registration with the Riverside County Treasurer‑Tax Collector.
• Current liability insurance is advisable; proof may be requested in the application process or during inspections.
• Onsite posting within the unit must include:
  1. Operator name and number
  2. Local contact person name and number
  3. Sheriff’s department and code enforcement phone numbers
  4. Maximum number of onsite parking spaces
  5. Trash pickup day and applicable rules
  6. Copy of Riverside County Ordinance Nos. 847 and 927
  7. Copy of the Good Neighbor Brochure
  8. Notice that guests, the local contact person, responsible person, or owner may be cited or fined under the ordinance and Riverside County Ordinance No. 725

Specific regulations for short‑term rentals (county and state) County rules (Riverside County Ordinance Nos. 847 and 927)

• Certificate required for stays fewer than 30 nights.
• Occupancy limits:
  • Properties on lots 1/2 acre or less: up to 10 guests
  • Properties on lots from 1/2 acre to 2 acres: up to 16 guests
• Onsite posting required (operator info, contacts, parking, trash, ordinance copies, Good Neighbor Brochure, and citation notice).
• Host availability: 24/7 coverage; must be able to respond in-person to complaints within 60 minutes during any rental period.
• Exempt property types (no STR certificate needed): hotels, motels, dormitories, public/private clubs, campsites, RV sites, country inns, cottage inns.
• Annual renewal of certificate; $100 renewal fee.
• Zoned use: Confirm your parcel is in a zone where STRs are permitted; zoning and overlays are enforced by the county planning department.

Enforcement and penalties

• Code enforcement monitors compliance and can issue citations and fines for violations (e.g., operating without a certificate, exceeding occupancy, failing to respond to complaints, or failing to post required materials).
• Enforcement actions may include warnings, civil penalties, and potential injunctions for continuing violations.

State rules (California)

• Short‑term rentals are generally permitted statewide, subject to local controls.
• TOT is imposed by most California counties/cities; hosts must register and remit TOT at the applicable local rate.
• Hosts must comply with local safety and building codes.

Contact information for local authority in charge of STRs

• Riverside County Planning Department (RCTLMA) – Short‑Term Rental Unit
  • Website: Riverside County Planning Department
  • Short‑Term Rentals overview page
  • Desert Permit Assistance Center: 77588 El Duna Ct., Suite H, Palm Desert, CA 92211; Attention: Cindy Gosselin; Phone: 760-799-5748
• Riverside County Treasurer‑Tax Collector
  • TOT information page
• Riverside County Sheriff (non‑emergency) and County Code Enforcement
  • Numbers must be posted in the unit; obtain the current numbers from RCTLMA or your certificate packet.

Links to source pages

• Airbnb Help Center – Riverside County, CA Short‑Term Rental Rules
• Riverside County Short‑Term Rentals Overview
• Riverside County Planning Department
• Riverside County Ordinance No. 927 (PDF)
• Good Neighbor Brochure (PDF)
• Riverside County Treasurer‑Tax Collector – Transient Occupancy Tax
• Homeowner Short‑Term Rental Application (PDF)
• Management Company Information Application (PDF)

Notes for investors

• Confirm zoning first: Use the county zoning map/overlay tool to ensure the parcel is eligible for STR use.
• Built‑out operations: While state law generally permits rentals, local zoning and the county’s certificate requirement control whether you can operate.
• Plan for staffing: The 24/7, 60‑minute response requirement suggests maintaining a local contact and clear escalation procedures.
• TOT is on gross rent: Price accordingly and register for TOT early to avoid back‑penalties.
• Renewal cadence: Track license expiration and renewal timelines to prevent lapses that could trigger citations.