Overview: Short-Term Rental Status in Avalon, CA

Short-term rentals are allowed in Avalon, California, but are subject to specific regulations and licensing requirements. Property owners must obtain a Transient Rental License from the City of Avalon and comply with municipal codes before operating any short-term rental business. The city has implemented a comprehensive regulatory framework that includes application processes, inspections, public hearings, and ongoing compliance requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Avalon

Step 1: Verify Property Eligibility

Before beginning the application process, ensure your property meets the preliminary requirements:

• The property must have been vacant, owner-occupied, or used as a vacation rental by the owner for a minimum two-year period
• Property must be located within Avalon city limits

Step 2: Complete the Application Process

1. Submit Transient Rental License Application with required fees
2. Schedule and pass property inspection by the City Building Official
3. Await city staff review and approval for Planning Commission consideration
4. Participate in public notice process - the city will publish notice in the newspaper and mail notifications to neighboring properties
5. Attend Planning Commission Meeting where your application will be formally considered and voted upon

Step 3: Post-Approval Requirements

If approved by the Planning Commission:

• Receive approval letter from the city
• Wait through the mandatory two-week grace period
• Contact the Finance Department to obtain a Business License
• Comply with all ongoing operational requirements

Step 4: Appeal Process (if necessary)

If your application is denied:

• File a written appeal within 15 calendar days of the Planning Commission decision
• Include the $922.00 appeal fee with your submission to the City Clerk
• Prepare for additional hearings and review processes

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Applications and Forms

1. Transient Rental License Application - Primary application for STR operation
2. Business License Application - Required after Transient Rental License approval
3. Transient Occupancy Tax Form - For ongoing tax compliance
4. Request for Transient Rental Sign - Required signage application

Mandatory Property Requirements

• Property inspection by City Building Official must be passed
• Compliance signage must be posted inside the unit on or adjacent to the front door
• 24-hour contact information must be available and displayed

Ongoing Compliance Documentation

• Transient Rental Complaint Form (available in English and Spanish)
• Annual renewals and fee payments
• Tax reporting through Transient Occupancy Tax submissions

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Avalon Municipal Requirements

According to Municipal Code Section 9-8.404(f), operators must ensure:

• 24-hour availability - Someone must be present to handle complaints at all times
• Maximum occupancy limits - Must not exceed actual sleeping accommodations
• Noise restrictions - Use of unenclosed decks and patios prohibited between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM
• Parking compliance - Must conform to structure's parking requirements
• Zero tolerance policy - Immediate termination for nuisances, rowdy, or disruptive behavior

Required Signage and Guest Information

Each transient rental unit must display a notice containing:

• Name and 24-hour contact number of managing agency, agent, property manager, or owner
• Maximum number of permitted occupants
• Trash and recycling information with scheduled pickup times
• Parking and occupancy requirement notifications
• Water conservation measures (when enacted by city ordinance)
• Noise restriction notifications
• Zero tolerance policy statement

Hamilton Cove Specific Regulations (if applicable)

For properties within Hamilton Cove, additional HOA rules apply:

• No guests or visitors allowed for short-term renters
• No pets including emotional support animals
• Responsible person requirement - Owner or approved rental agency representative must be present within Avalon city limits during rental periods
• 24-hour advance notice required to guard gate with renter information
• Occupancy limits based on bedroom configuration (1BR=4 people, 2BR=6 people, 3BR=8 people, 4BR=10 people)
• Predetermined fines for rule violations

Los Angeles County Requirements

As Avalon is located in Los Angeles County, operators must also comply with:

• County health and safety standards
• Fire safety regulations
• Building code compliance
• Business registration requirements

California State Regulations

• Transient Occupancy Tax collection and remittance
• Income tax reporting on rental income
• Consumer protection compliance under California Civil Code
• Disability accommodation requirements under state and federal law

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Primary Contact - Planning & Building Department

Donna Romo, Senior Administrative Assistant

• Email: dromo@cityofavalon.gov
• Phone: 310-510-0220, ext. 116
• Department: Planning & Building Department

City of Avalon General Information

• Address: 410 Avalon Canyon Road, P.O. Box 707, Avalon, CA 90704
• Website: www.cityofavalon.gov
• City Directory: Available at www.cityofavalon.gov/directory.aspx

Additional Resources

• Municipal Code: ecode360.com/AV4054/
• Online Payments: Available through city website
• Planning Commission: Meetings and agendas available through city agenda center

Important Considerations and Current Developments

Ongoing Policy Review

The City of Avalon is actively reviewing short-term rental regulations through community engagement:

• Community Survey: The city has developed a Short-Term Rental Survey to gather community input on STR impacts
• Policy Development: Input from the survey will inform future decision-making regarding short-term rental regulations
• Regulatory Changes: Current regulations may be subject to modification based on community feedback and city council decisions

Financial Obligations

• Application fees for Transient Rental License
• Appeal fee: $922.00 if challenging a denial
• Business License fees after approval
• Transient Occupancy Tax ongoing collection and remittance
• Property inspection fees
• Annual renewal fees

Compliance Monitoring

The city maintains active oversight through:

• Complaint processes for community members
• Regular inspections and compliance checks
• Coordination with Planning Commission for ongoing approvals
• Property contact requirements for all licensed rentals

Source Links

• City of Avalon Transient Rental Licenses: www.cityofavalon.gov/321/Transient-Rental-Licenses
• Short-Term Rental Survey: www.cityofavalon.gov/1427/Short-Term-Rental-Survey
• Municipal Code: ecode360.com/AV4054/
• Hamilton Cove HOA STR Information: hchoacatalina.org/SHORT-TERM-RENTALS

This comprehensive guide provides the essential information needed to understand and navigate Avalon's short-term rental regulations. However, given the evolving nature of local regulations and ongoing policy reviews, investors should maintain regular contact with the Planning & Building Department to ensure continued compliance with all applicable requirements.