Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Whittier, CA?

Short-term rentals ARE allowed in Whittier, CA, but with significant restrictions and requirements. The City Council has directed staff to develop a comprehensive ordinance incorporating best-practice controls, including a prohibition on STRs in fire hazard zones. As of the latest developments, the city is still in the ordinance development phase, with the framework established but final adoption pending.

The city has explicitly chosen not to implement an outright ban but instead opted for a hybrid regulatory approach that allows STRs with substantial oversight and restrictions. The most significant limitation is the prohibition on STRs in areas mapped by the California State Fire Marshal as very high, high, and moderate fire hazard zones (red, orange, and yellow zones), which affects portions of the Whittier Hills area.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Whittier

Based on the city's proposed framework and best practices, investors should follow these steps:

1. Pre-Application Assessment

• Verify Property Location: Confirm your property is not located within CAL FIRE-designated fire hazard zones (red, orange, yellow areas)
• Check Zoning Compliance: Ensure the property is in a zone that permits residential rentals
• Review Municipal Code: Check for any existing restrictions or requirements

2. Business License Application

• Obtain a city business license (required under the proposed ordinance)
• Complete business registration with the City of Whittier
• Pay applicable business license fees

3. STR Permit Application

• Apply for a Short-Term Rental permit (valid for 6 months initially)
• Provide detailed property information
• Submit supporting documentation as required by the city

4. Tax Registration and Setup

• Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection
• Implement systems to collect and remit the 10% TOT from every STR booking
• Set up regular reporting and payment procedures

5. Compliance Preparation

• Develop a "Good Neighbor Policy" distribution system
• Prepare for minimum stay requirements (7 days per the latest proposal)
• Establish occupancy limits based on bedrooms
• Create protocols to prohibit events and parties

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City-Level Requirements (Proposed)

1. Business License

   • Annual city business license
   • Business registration with city finance department
   • Compliance with general business regulations

2. Short-Term Rental Permit

   • Valid for 6 months (subject to renewal)
   • Property-specific permit
   • Application fee (amount to be determined)
   • Documentation proving compliance with all requirements

3. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration

   • 10% tax collection requirement
   • Monthly/quarterly remittance to city
   • Detailed booking records and reporting

4. Compliance Documentation

   • Insurance verification (city to consider requirements)
   • Property condition documentation
   • Emergency contact information
   • Good Neighbor Policy acknowledgment

Good Neighbor Policy Requirements

• Distribute policy to STR guests upon booking confirmation
• Include information on local rules and regulations
• Tips for maintaining good relations with neighbors
• Emergency contact information and procedures

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Proposed)

Operational Restrictions

• Minimum Stay: 7 consecutive days per booking (current proposal, previously 2 nights)
• Events Prohibition: No receptions, parties, or similar events allowed
• Host Presence: Owner may be required to live on property (under consideration)

Occupancy Limits

• Studio units: Maximum 2 guests
• Units with bedrooms: Maximum 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests
• Total occupancy calculated based on sleeping capacity

Geographic and Density Controls

• Fire Hazard Zone Ban: STRs prohibited in CAL FIRE-mapped fire hazard zones (red, orange, yellow areas)
• Distance Requirements: Potential spacing requirements between STRs
  • 500-foot buffer option: Would allow approximately 382 STRs citywide
  • 1,000-foot buffer option: Would allow approximately 108 STRs citywide
  • Staff recommends 1,000-foot buffer for deconcentration

Multi-Family Property Rules

• Properties with multiple units subject to additional restrictions
• Duplex properties: At least one unit may be rented as STR if not an ADU
• Under consideration: Limits based on total units per property
  • Properties with 3 or fewer units: Maximum 1 STR permit
  • Properties with 4+ units: Maximum 3 STR permits

Permit and Renewal Process

• Initial permits valid for 6 months
• First-come, first-serve prioritization system (proposed to begin 30 days after ordinance adoption)
• Regular renewal required with compliance verification

Enforcement and Penalties

• Citations at $100, $200, and $500 for standard violations
• Proposed STR-specific fines: $1,000 for first offense, $2,000 for subsequent offenses
• Notices of violation may be issued to owners, operators, and guests without warning
• No amortization or grace period for existing STRs

Los Angeles County Regulations

Note: These apply to unincorporated areas of LA County, not the City of Whittier itself

• Primary Residence Requirement: STRs limited to primary residences only
• Maximum Stay: 30 consecutive days or less
• Hosted vs. Un-Hosted Distinction:
  • Hosted stays: Minimum 1 night booking
  • Un-hosted stays: Minimum 2 nights, maximum 90 calendar nights total per year
• Effective Date: January 31, 2024 (for unincorporated county areas)

California State Requirements

• Transient Occupancy Tax: State-authorized local tax collection
• Business License: General business registration requirements
• Fire Safety: Compliance with state fire codes and local fire district requirements

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Whittier - Community Development Department

• Address: 13230 Penn Street, Whittier, CA 90602
• Phone: (562) 567-9301
• Business License Information: Available through the city's online services portal
• Permit Applications: Contact Community Development Department
• Email: admin@cityofwhittier.org

Key Contacts for STR-Related Inquiries

• Community Development Director: Ben Pongetti
• Assistant Director: Luis G. Escobedo, AICP
• Senior Planner: Monique Garibay

Additional City Services

• Code Enforcement: (562) 567-9200
• Business Licenses: Available through the city's business license portal
• Planning Services: Contact for zoning and compliance questions

Source References

1. City Council Agenda Report (October 10, 2023)

   • URL: [online.cityofwhittier.org/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Documents/ViewDocument/Best%20Practices%20for%20City%E2%80%99s%20Regulation%20of%20Short-Term%20Residential%20Rentals%20(52.pdf?meetingId=4188&documentType=Agenda&itemId=52109&publishId=28490&isSection=false](https://online.cityofwhittier.org/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Documents/ViewDocument/Best%20Practices%20for%20City%E2%80%99s%20Regulation%20of%20Short-Term%20Residential%20Rentals%20(52.pdf?meetingId=4188&documentType=Agenda&itemId=52109&publishId=28490&isSection=false)

2. Citizen Portal Article (July 8, 2025)

   • URL: citizenportal.ai/articles/6155711/Whittier-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-approves-STR-regulations-bars-shortterm-rentals-in-Whittiers-mapped-firehazard-areas

3. Whittier Daily News Article (December 11, 2024)

   • URL: www.whittierdailynews.com/2024/12/11/whittier-city-council-delays-next-step-on-short-term-rentals-amid-mixed-views/

4. City of Whittier Official Website

   • URL: www.cityofwhittier.org

Important Note: As of the latest available information, the City of Whittier is still in the ordinance development phase. The regulations described are based on City Council directives and staff recommendations, but the final adopted ordinance may differ. Investors should confirm the current status and final adopted regulations with the City of Whittier Community Development Department before making investment decisions or beginning operations.