Is STR Operation Allowed?

Short-term rentals (STRs) are permitted in Universal City, California. Universal City is an unincorporated community in Los Angeles County and is subject to Los Angeles County’s Unincorporated STR rules. If your property is inside an incorporated city (e.g., the City of Los Angeles, Glendale, Burbank, etc.), city-specific rules govern instead of county rules. Always confirm your exact address with the County or city planning/zoning authority before investing or listing.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business

• Confirm zoning eligibility (unincorporated LA County vs. an incorporated city).
• Register your STR with Los Angeles County (if in unincorporated areas) or with your city.
• Obtain a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate from the County Treasurer/Tax Collector (unincorporated) or city Finance Department.
• Maintain liability insurance; many jurisdictions require at least $1 million.
• Post and share a Good Neighbor brochure and house rules; designate a 24/7 local contact.
• Comply with noise, parking, trash, occupancy, and safety standards; include the TOT certificate number and STR registration number in all advertisements.
• File TOT returns (monthly or quarterly) and pay any business taxes due.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• STR registration certificate (county or city).
• TOT certificate and registration number (for tax collection).
• Evidence of liability insurance meeting local minimums.
• Good Neighbor brochure acknowledgment and posted house rules.
• Advertisement must include the TOT certificate number and STR registration number.
• Contact information for a 24/7 local response person.

Specific Regulations (LA County Unincorporated and CA State)

LA County STRs must follow county registration and operational rules; hosts must collect and remit TOT, keep properties residential in appearance, avoid business signage, and maintain a local 24/7 contact. Safety inspections may apply depending on the license tier.

Contact Information

• Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning (unincorporated STR registration): Phone: (213) 974-6411; Website: planning.lacounty.gov/.
• Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector (TOT for unincorporated areas): Phone: (213) 974-2211; Website: ttc.lacounty.gov/.

Source Pages

• Los Angeles County STR program: planning.lacounty.gov/short-term-rentals.
• LA County TOT guidance (unincorporated): ttc.lacounty.gov/occupancy-taxes/.
• California lodging tax rules and state guidance: www.avalara.com/mylodgetax/en/resources/state-lodging-tax-requirements.html.

Additional Context: Nearby Cities and Common STR Rules in SoCal

• City of Los Angeles requires Home Sharing Registration (HSR), primary residence proof, and TOT registration; listings must include the HSR number and TOT certificate number.
• City of Glendale requires STR permits and TOT; contact Glendale Community Development and Finance.
• Palm Desert STRs require a city permit and business license; the property must meet zoning eligibility and maintain on-site parking, with a 24/7 local contact person required.

Contact Information (Nearby)

• City of Glendale Community Development Department (planning/zoning): Phone: (818) 548-2140; Website: www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/community-development.
• Glendale Finance Department (TOT): Phone: (818) 548-2191; Website: www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/finance.
• City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning (Home Sharing): Phone: (213) 978-1258; Website: planning.lacity.org/.
• Los Angeles Office of Finance (TOT): Phone: (213) 978-1600; Website: finance.lacity.org/.

Source Pages (Nearby Cities)

• Los Angeles County STR registration program: planning.lacounty.gov/short-term-rentals.
• Los Angeles Home Sharing registration portal: secure.hostcompliance.com/los-angeles-ca/permit-registration/welcome.
• LA County TOT registration guidance: ttc.lacounty.gov/occupancy-taxes/.
• Glendale STR/TOT general page: www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/finance/transient-occupancy-tax-tot.
• Palm Desert STR program: www.palmdesert.gov/residents/short-term-rentals.
• California lodging tax guidance: www.avalara.com/mylodgetax/en/resources/state-lodging-tax-requirements.html.

Riverside County (Thousand Palms): STR Regulations Guide (for reference)

This applies to Thousand Palms and unincorporated areas in Riverside County, not Universal City. Included for investor context due to SoCal rental market interest.

Is STR Operation Allowed?

Short-term rentals (fewer than 30 consecutive days) are allowed in unincorporated Riverside County, including Thousand Palms. As of 2025, new STR certificates are under a temporary moratorium in Thousand Palms and B Bar H Ranch through February 28, 2026 (Ordinance No. 449.255). Existing permitted STRs may continue operating.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business

• Confirm zoning eligibility and any location-specific caps.
• Apply for or renew your STR Certificate (if available) through Riverside County TLMA.
• Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and understand filing cadence.
• Designate a 24/7 local contact; provide on-site parking; comply with signage requirements.
• Post TOT and certificate number, emergency contacts, parking info, and house rules on the property.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• STR Certificate application/renewal.
• Proof of ownership or copy of the Grant Deed.
• Applicant-Property Owner Authorization form.
• Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreement.
• STR Self-Certification Checklist.
• TOT registration and filing with Riverside County Treasurer/Tax Collector.

Specific Regulations

• Moratorium on new STR certificates in Thousand Palms through February 28, 2026; existing STRs can continue.
• Zoning limits exist in select districts (e.g., Idyllwild, Wine Country), including certificate caps, separation distances, and occupancy limits.
• Quiet hours (10 p.m.–7 a.m.) are enforced; adequate on-site parking is required; property signage must include certificate number, local contact, emergency info, parking rules, and house rules.
• TOT of 10% on gross rental income must be collected and remitted to the County; registration and payments are managed through the Treasurer-Tax Collector.
• Insurance is not legally required by the County but is strongly recommended.
• A 24/7 local contact must be available to respond to complaints within 60 minutes.
• Penalties include fines up to $5,000 per violation and potential permit suspension for violations.

Contact Information

• Riverside County Transportation & Land Management Agency (Planning Division): Phone: (951) 955-3200; Email: planning.rctlma.org/; Website: planning.rctlma.org/short-term-rental-program.
• Riverside County Treasurer-Tax Collector (TOT): Phone: (951) 955-1200; Email: countytreasurer.org/tax-collector/; Website: countytreasurer.org/tax-collector/short-term-vacation-rentals.

Source Pages

• Riverside County STR Program: planning.rctlma.org/short-term-rental-program.
• Ordinance No. 449.255: rivcocob.org/sites/g/files/aldnop311/files/2025-05/449.255.pdf.
• Riverside County Treasurer-Tax Collector STR/TOT: countytreasurer.org/tax-collector/short-term-vacation-rentals.
• Riverside County STR Certificate Portal (application/renewal): str.deckard.com/ca-riverside/.
• Riverside County Good Neighbor Brochure: planning.rctlma.org/sites/g/files/aldnop416/files/2023-11/Good%20neighbor%20guide%20new%20%282%29.pdf.

Note: Universal City, CA is in LA County; Thousand Palms is in Riverside County. Verify your property’s jurisdiction before applying rules.