Overview: STR Status in Alhambra, CA

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Alhambra, CA. The city has established a comprehensive regulatory framework that permits STR operations under specific conditions and limitations. Alhambra's STR program officially launched with permit applications beginning March 3, 2025, operating on a controlled basis with a maximum of 500 active permits citywide.

Starting Your Short-Term Rental Business

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

• Property Types Allowed: Single-family residences, duplexes, condominiums, townhomes, and multi-family rental units in buildings with fewer than five (5) units
• Prohibited Properties: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Junior ADUs (JADUs), properties with 5+ units, industrial zone properties, properties with active code enforcement cases, unsafe conditions, or affordable housing restrictions
• Applicant Requirements: Only natural persons may apply (no LLCs, corporations, or business entities); each person limited to one STR permit

Step 2: Complete Business License Application

1. Visit the Alhambra Finance Department online portal
2. Complete the residential business license application
3. Select appropriate business type: "Out of City Contractors/Rental Properties or Short-Term Rentals"
4. Print confirmation email from the Finance Department upon completion

Step 3: Complete STR Permit Application

1. Download and complete the Short-Term Rental Permit Application from the city website
2. Page 1: Property information, host details, local contact person information, and acknowledgments
3. Page 2: Must be completed by a certified third-party general contractor, building, or home inspector
4. Page 3: Self-certification by host initials and signature per Alhambra Municipal Code Section 5.92

Step 4: Submit Application Package

Submit all documents simultaneously to the Code Enforcement Division:

• Business License confirmation email
• Completed STR Permit Application (all pages)
• Proof of Driver License or Government ID
• Proof of property ownership

Submission Location: City Hall, 111 S. 1st Street, Alhambra, CA 91801

Review Process:

• Code Enforcement reviews applications within three business days
• Approval not guaranteed
• If approved, payment required within 24 hours via provided payment link
• Failure to pay within 24 hours makes application ineligible

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Mandatory Documentation:

1. Residential Business License (Finance Department)
2. Short-Term Rental Permit Application (Code Enforcement)
3. Building Inspection Report (certified third-party inspector)
4. Proof of Government ID (Driver License or equivalent)
5. Proof of Property Ownership

Permits and Licenses:

1. Business License - Required from Finance Department
2. STR Permit - Required from Code Enforcement (valid for one year)
3. Annual Building Inspection - Required for renewal

Application Fees:

• Initial application and renewal fees established by City Council resolution (exact amounts to be determined)

Specific Regulations for Alhambra STRs

Occupancy and Guest Limits

• Maximum Occupancy: 2 guests per bedroom
• Registered Guests Only: No unregistered visitors permitted
• Prohibited Activities: Commercial events, parties, group gatherings, weddings, banquets, corporate events

Operational Requirements

• Host Availability: Host or local contact must be available 24/7 and respond within 30 minutes to city complaints
• No Exterior Signage: STR advertising signs prohibited on property
• Guest Information Display: Must display inside unit (refrigerator or information binder):
  • Maximum occupancy limits
  • Parking rules and designated spaces
  • Trash and recycling pickup information
  • Local contact name and 24-hour phone number
  • Emergency contact numbers (police, fire, medical)
  • Evacuation plan with exit routes and fire extinguisher locations

Noise and Quiet Hours

• Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM daily
• Prohibited During Quiet Hours:
  • Outdoor use of pools, spas, and hot tubs
  • Outdoor or indoor sound-producing devices audible beyond property line
  • Radios, musical instruments, loudspeakers, karaoke machines, amplifiers

Parking and Property Standards

• Parking: Must be provided on-site per Alhambra Municipal Code Chapter 9.95
• Property Maintenance: Must remain free of litter per Chapter 6.20
• Municipal Compliance: Must adhere to all applicable regulations including:
  • Chapter 6.26.030 (Prohibited Public Nuisance Conditions)
  • Chapter 18.02 (Noise and Vibrations Control Regulations)

Permit Limitations

• One Permit Per Person: Each natural person limited to one STR permit
• Maximum City Cap: 500 active permits total
• Expiration: Permits valid for one year, non-transferable
• Renewal Requirements: Must demonstrate substantial compliance with regulations

Enforcement and Penalties

Administrative Citation System

• First Citation: Up to $1,500 fine
• Second Citation (same offense, 12 months): Up to $3,000 fine
• Third and Subsequent Citations (12 months): Up to $5,000 fine
• Operating Without Permit: Up to $5,000 per citation
• Daily Violations: Each day constitutes separate violation

Permit Revocation

• Automatic Revocation: Three violations within 12-month period
• Appeal Process: May appeal to Planning Commission within 10 days
• Permanent Ineligibility: Unsuccessful appeals result in permanent STR ban on property

State-Level Regulations (California)

As Alhambra operates under California's regulatory framework, hosts must also comply with:

• Tax Obligations: Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) remittance to the city
• Fair Housing Laws: Compliance with state and federal fair housing regulations
• ADA Compliance: Properties must accommodate guests with disabilities
• Environmental Regulations: State environmental quality requirements
• Labor Laws: If employing staff, must comply with California employment regulations

Local Authority Contact Information

Code Enforcement Division (STR Program Administration)

• Phone: (626) 570-3230
• Email: code@alhambraca.gov
• Address: 111 S. 1st Street, Alhambra, CA 91801
• Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM

City Hall Main Contact

• Phone: (626) 570-5007
• Address: 111 S. 1st Street, Alhambra, CA 91801
• Website: www.alhambraca.gov

Finance Department (Business Licenses)

• Business License Portal: Available through city website
• Business License Information: www.alhambraca.gov/171/Business-License

Source Links

• Alhambra STR Regulations Page
• Full STR Ordinance No. O2M24-4836
• Business License Application Portal
• Alhambra Municipal Code
• AAGLA Industry News Article

Important Notes:

• New permit applications accepted starting March 3, 2025
• First 500 applications accepted on first-come, first-served basis
• All documents must be submitted simultaneously
• Approval not guaranteed
• Strict enforcement with potential permit revocation for violations