Overview: Are short-term rentals allowed in Burbank?

• Short-term rentals are not permitted in Burbank. The city prohibits “short-term rentals” by defining them as “Hotel” or “Motel” uses, which are expressly prohibited in all residential zones (R-1, R-1-H, R-2, R-3, R-4/R-5). In practice, any rental for 30 days or fewer is treated as a prohibited commercial lodging use in residential areas.
• Legal basis: Burbank Municipal Code (BMC) Sections 10-1-203 (definitions), 10-1-602 (R-1 and R-1-H use table), 10-1-627 (Multiple Family Residential use table) expressly list “Boarding House” and “Hotel/Motel” as prohibited uses. The code also clarifies that “Hotel” and “Motel” include short-term rentals and vacation rentals.
• There is no city registry, license, or permit available for short-term rentals in Burbank. Operating an STR will be considered an illegal land use subject to enforcement.

How to start an STR business in this market

• The most compliant pathway is to acquire property in nearby cities that allow short-term rentals and operate there (e.g., Glendale, Pasadena, Santa Clarita—each with distinct rules). Alternatively, convert your Burbank asset to a long-term rental or a mid-term rental (31 days or more).
• Do not attempt to list or operate an STR in Burbank. Advertising an illegal listing could trigger enforcement and fines.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• Not applicable in Burbank. There is no legal mechanism to obtain approval for an STR.
• If you choose a nearby city, expect common requirements such as:
  • Business registration and a local STR registration/permit
  • Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) registration and monthly remittance
  • Liability insurance and safety compliance (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers, emergency information posted)
  • Possible inspection and annual renewal
• Always confirm the latest requirements on the target city’s website before acquiring or listing a property.

Specific regulations and enforcement in Burbank

• Zoning prohibition:
  • R-1 and R-1-H: “Boarding House” and “Hotel/Motel” are prohibited uses (Table 10-1-602).
  • R-2, R-3, R-4/R-5: “Boarding House” and “Hotel/Motel” are prohibited uses (Table 10-1-627).
• Definitions make short-term rentals illegal in residential zones:
  • “Hotel” and “Motel” are defined to include short-term rentals and vacation rentals (lodging for 30 days or fewer), and they are not permitted in residential zones.
  • “Boarding House” includes longer-term rentals where residents do not function as a single common household; this use is also prohibited in all residential zones.
• Enforcement mechanisms:
  • The city can enforce under nuisance provisions and land use violations (e.g., orders to comply, citations). Platform listing of unregistered or prohibited STRs is a focus area in many California cities and is expected to be treated as an illegal listing in Burbank.

Nearby market notes (for investors seeking compliant alternatives)

• Glendale: Allows hosted short-term rentals (home-sharing) with a cap on nights and listing requirements. Operators must register with the city and collect/remit TOT.
• Pasadena: Requires short-term rentals to be the host’s primary residence and enforces a cap on unhosted stays; TOT applies.
• Santa Clarita: Permits STRs with annual registration, safety inspections, and TOT collection. Rules include occupancy limits and contact-person requirements.
• Each city’s rules vary on permit validity, inspection cadence, platform data-sharing, and fees. Confirm details on the city’s official site prior to acquisition.

Contact information (City of Burbank)

• General City Contact:
  • Phone: (818) 238-5000
  • Website: burbankca.gov
• Planning Department (for zoning verification or code questions):
  • Phone: (818) 238-5200
  • Email: planning@burbankca.gov
  • Website: burbankca.gov (Planning Department page)
• City Clerk’s Office (for ordinance records):
  • Phone: (818) 238-5850
• City Attorney’s Office (for legal guidance on code interpretation):
  • Phone: (818) 238-5855
• Non-emergency code enforcement:
  • Phone: (818) 238-5200 (Planning Code Enforcement)
  • Online reporting: burbankca.gov/report-an-issue

Important: Citations and links to source pages

• City of Burbank ordinance pages (BMC zoning definitions and use tables):
  • Municipal Code viewer (hosted on Granicus): burbank.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=6371&meta_id=229975
• General overview confirming Burbank’s STR ban (not the official source, but relevant context): www.hostaway.com/blog/airbnb-and-short-term-rental-laws-in-california/

Final note for investors

• If you hold Burbank property now, consider a compliant pivot: long-term tenancy (12+ months) or mid-term tenancy (31–180 days) if allowed by your lender/HOA and local housing codes. Avoid any 30-day-or-less arrangements in Burbank—they remain prohibited and subject to enforcement.