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Owner Resources
Palm Springs has some of the most restrictive short-term rental regulations in the Coachella Valley — and among the most expensive to enter. New operators are limited to 26 rental contracts per year (roughly one every two weeks), and neighborhood-level density caps mean permits may be unavailable in some areas even when all other requirements are met.
California has no state preemption law protecting STR operators, so Palm Springs can and does set its own rules. If you own property in Palm Springs or are evaluating one for rental income, the requirements below reflect the current program. Verify current fees and availability at your specific address before you apply.
Permit fee: $1,046 for new vacation rental certificates. Renewals are also required annually, with a new building, fire, and safety inspection at each renewal.
Eligible property types: Limited to single-family dwellings only. Apartments and multi-family properties are not permitted to operate as STRs.
Application process: Submit through the GovOS online portal with required documents: government-issued ID, proof of homeowner's insurance, HOA consent (if applicable), and a signed indemnification agreement. Schedule and pass inspection before receiving written authorization.
Inspection requirement: A building, fire, and safety inspection is required for new permits and at each annual renewal. The property must pass before hosting can begin.
Contract limits: New permittees are capped at 26 rental contracts per calendar year. Existing permittees are allowed up to 32 contracts. A 'contract' is defined as a single guest stay regardless of length. This limit was implemented in October 2023.
Neighborhood density cap: A 20% cap limits the number of vacation rental certificates in organized neighborhoods. If your neighborhood has reached the cap, new applications are denied regardless of individual property eligibility.
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): 11.5% applies to all guest stays. All major platforms now collect and remit TOT directly to the city as of a February 2024 enforcement update, but operators must maintain proper registration to remain compliant.
Permit number in advertising: Your certificate number must appear on all listing platforms.
Regulatorytrend: Palm Springs is tightening restrictions, not loosening them. The city has a 3/5 regulatory stability score — meaning changes are likely. Confirm current rules before purchasing property with STR income in mind.
Palm Springs has enacted three significant regulatory changes since 2022 — the neighborhood caps (March 2022), the 26-contract annual limit (October 2023), and enhanced TOT enforcement (February 2024). More changes may follow. This page is reviewed regularly against verified government sources, but it is not a substitute for checking directly with the City of Palm Springs or your local manager before applying.
Last verified: August 2026.