Palm Springs STR Licensing Guide

Operational Rules and Restrictions

Obtaining a certificate is just the beginning. Palm Springs enforces detailed operational requirements that govern how you manage your property and interact with neighbors.

Occupancy Limits

Maximum occupancy is calculated as two adults per bedroom plus two additional guests. The city also imposes an absolute cap of 10 adults plus 4 children (age 12 or under), regardless of bedroom count.

For example, a three-bedroom property can host up to eight people total (six adults plus two additional guests). A five-bedroom property could theoretically host 12 people (10 adults plus 2), but the absolute cap prevents larger configurations from exceeding reasonable density.

These limits are strictly enforced. Exceeding occupancy limits can result in citations, fines, and potential certificate revocation.

Noise Restrictions

No outside amplified noise is allowed at any time. This means no outdoor speakers, no poolside sound systems, and no amplified music on patios or decks. Music and entertainment must remain fully contained within the property's interior.

This restriction aims to preserve neighborhood tranquility, particularly during evening hours. Even if your guests aren't being excessively loud, using outdoor speakers violates city rules and can generate complaints from neighbors.

Parking Requirements

Parking allowances are based on bedroom count, as follows:

• 1-2 bedrooms: 2 vehicles

• 3 bedrooms: 3 vehicles

• 4 bedrooms: 4 vehicles

• 5+ bedrooms: 5 vehicles

Vehicles may be parked in garages, driveways, or on the street, but they cannot block driveways, mailboxes, or fire hydrants. Exceeding these vehicle limits can result in citations, even if the vehicles are legally parked on the street.

24/7 Local Contact

You must designate a 24/7 local contact available to respond to complaints and emergencies. This person must be able to arrive at the property within a reasonable timeframe to address issues. The contact's phone number is provided to the city and neighboring properties.

This requirement ensures that problems can be resolved quickly rather than escalating throughout the night. Many STR owners hire local property management companies to fulfill this obligation, particularly if they live outside the Palm Springs area.

Fees and Taxes

Operating an STR in Palm Springs involves several fees and tax obligations.

Registration Fees

As of December 1, 2025, the annual registration fees are:

• Full Vacation Rental Certificate: $1,046

• Junior Vacation Rental Certificate (≤6 stays/year): $523

• HomeShare Certificate: $261

These fees cover administrative costs associated with processing applications, maintaining records, and enforcing compliance.

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)

All STR operators must collect and remit TOT from guests. The current rate is 11.5% of the rental price, plus a TBID assessment. You must file TOT returns monthly, even during months with no rental activity.

Failure to collect or remit TOT can result in significant penalties, including back taxes, interest, and potential criminal charges in cases of willful evasion.

Additional Fees

Other potential fees include:

• Land Use Permit (LUP) Fee for Estate Homes: $647 (required for certain larger properties)

• Transfer Fee: $222 (if transferring a certificate, though note certificates are generally non-transferable)

• Administrative Appeal Fee: $1,324 (if appealing a denial or citation)

Application Process

Applying for a Palm Springs STR certificate involves several steps and careful attention to detail.

Before You Apply

First, verify neighborhood eligibility. Use the city's online density map to confirm your property's neighborhood hasn't reached the 20% cap. If the cap has been reached, your application will be denied regardless of how otherwise qualified you are.

Second, ensure your property qualifies. Only single-family dwelling units in residential zones are eligible. Apartments, condominiums in multi-unit buildings, and properties in commercial zones cannot obtain STR certificates.

Third, confirm ownership status. Applications will not be accepted if the property is in escrow. You must have completed the purchase and recorded the deed before applying.

Gathering Documentation

You'll need several documents to complete your application:

• Proof of property ownership (deed or title)

• Site plan showing the property layout

• Proof of liability insurance

• Contact information for your 24/7 local representative

• Parking plan demonstrating compliance with vehicle limits

• Guest rules document outlining occupancy limits, quiet hours, and parking restrictions

Submitting Your Application

Palm Springs uses an online application system through vendor GovOS. Visit the Vacation Rental Certificate Online Application page to begin the process.

You'll also need to register for a TOT permit simultaneously through the city's finance department. Both permits are required before you can legally advertise or operate.

Processing Timeline

Expect 30 to 90 days for application processing. During this time, you cannot advertise or rent your property. Advertising before receiving written authorization can result in penalties, including potential permanent ineligibility to operate an STR in Palm Springs.

Once approved, you'll receive your certificate and permit number. Only then can you create listings, accept bookings, and begin operations.

Enforcement and Penalties

Palm Springs takes STR compliance seriously and actively enforces its regulations through the Department of Special Program Compliance.

Violation Types

Common violations include:

• Operating without a valid certificate

• Exceeding occupancy limits

• Allowing outside amplified noise

• Exceeding parking limits

• Failing to provide 24/7 local contact information

• Violating the rental contract limit (26 or 32 per year)

• Failing to collect or remit TOT

Complaint Process

Neighbors can report violations through the city's 24/7 Vacation Rental Hotline at (760) 322-8383. Compliance officers respond to active complaints and can witness violations in real-time.

For non-urgent concerns, residents can file a Request for Review through the city's online form. These complaints are addressed during business hours in the order received.

Penalties

Penalties for violations vary by severity and frequency:

• Administrative citations carry fines up to $5,000 per violation

• Repeat violations can lead to certificate suspension or revocation

• Operating without a certificate can result in permanent ineligibility to obtain future permits

• TOT violations may involve criminal prosecution in addition to civil penalties

The city maintains detailed records of citations and violations, which are considered during renewal applications and can impact future eligibility.

Staying Compliant

Maintaining compliance requires ongoing attention and proactive management.

Best Practices for Compliance

Set clear guest expectations. Provide guests with a detailed welcome packet outlining occupancy limits, parking rules, noise restrictions, and quiet hours. Make these rules visible within the property as well.

Use technology to monitor compliance. Consider installing outdoor noise monitoring devices that alert you to potential violations without recording conversations. Some property management systems can track occupancy through smart locks and other connected devices.

Maintain detailed records. Keep thorough documentation of all rental contracts, guest communications, TOT collections, and any incidents or complaints. These records can protect you if disputes arise.

Stay engaged with city updates. Subscribe to the city's email notifications for STR updates by visiting the city's vacation rental page and completing the subscription form. Regulations evolve, and staying informed helps you adapt to changes before they create problems.

Build positive neighbor relationships. Introduce yourself to adjacent property owners, provide them with your 24/7 contact information, and respond promptly to any concerns they raise. Good neighbor relations can prevent formal complaints and demonstrate your commitment to responsible operation.

Annual Renewal

Certificates must be renewed annually before expiration. The renewal process includes:

• Paying the annual registration fee

• Confirming your property still meets all operational requirements

• Updating any changed information (contact details, property management, etc.)

• Demonstrating continued TOT compliance

Missing renewal deadlines can result in certificate lapse, forcing you to reapply as a new applicant and potentially compete for limited slots under the 20% neighborhood cap.