Whether Short-Term Rentals Are Allowed in Culver City, CA

Short-term rentals (those of less than 30 consecutive days) are currently PROHIBITED in Culver City, California. The City operates under a "permissive" zoning code, meaning only explicitly allowed uses are permitted. Since short-term rentals are not listed as allowable uses in the residential zoning district land use requirements, they are prohibited.

However, the City Council is actively considering new regulations that would permit short-term rentals under specific conditions, with potential changes expected before the end of 2025.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Currently, you cannot legally start a short-term rental business in Culver City due to the existing prohibition. However, if you're planning for potential future legalization:

1. Monitor City Council meetings and subscribe to email updates to stay informed about regulatory changes
2. Prepare for potential requirements based on the 2019 policy recommendations, which may include:
   • Limiting operations to your primary residence only
   • Implementing neighbor notification procedures
   • Meeting annual reporting requirements
3. Consider properties that would qualify under the proposed framework (primary residences, not apartment units unless owner-occupied)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Current Status

• No permits are currently available for short-term rentals
• All current STR operations are illegal and operating without permits in violation of municipal code

Proposed Future Requirements (Based on 2019 Recommendations)

When regulations are adopted, likely requirements may include:

• Primary residence certification
• Neighbor notification documentation
• Annual reporting to City Council
• Business tax certificate (standard requirement for all Culver City businesses)
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) registration (currently collected by Airbnb under voluntary collection agreement)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations

Current: Complete prohibition under Culver City Municipal Code Section 17.210.015

Proposed Future Framework (from February 2019 City Council discussion):

• Allow short-term rentals in Culver City
• Primary residence requirement only
• Both hosted and un-hosted rentals permitted
• No limitation on number of rental nights annually
• Prohibition on STRs in duplexes, triplexes, or apartments (except owner's primary residence if on-site)
• Mandatory neighbor notification by hosts
• Annual reporting requirement to City Council
• Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations still under consideration

County-Level Regulations

Los Angeles County regulations do not override local municipal codes. Culver City's prohibition takes precedence.

State-Level Regulations

• Transient Occupancy Tax collection requirements apply when STRs become legal
• General business licensing requirements
• Income tax reporting obligations to California Franchise Tax Board
• Safety and accessibility compliance with state building codes

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact:

• Name: Jesse Mays, Assistant City Manager
• Email: jesse.mays@culvercity.org
• Phone: (310) 253-6000

City Hall Address: City of Culver City 9770 Culver Boulevard Culver City, CA 90232

Hours: Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM (City Hall is closed on alternating Fridays)

For Email Updates: Subscribe to short-term rental notifications at: public.govdelivery.com/accounts/CACULVER/subscriber/new?topic_id=CACULVER_86

Links to Source Pages

1. Primary STR Information Page: www.culvercity.gov/Have-Your-Say/Short-Term-Rentals

2. City Municipal Code (Zoning Regulations): codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/culvercity/latest/culvercity_ca/0-0-0-49908

3. City Council Meeting Records: Available through the city's Legistar system for specific meeting details and video recordings

4. Email Subscription for Updates: public.govdelivery.com/accounts/CACULVER/subscriber/new?topic_id=CACULVER_86

5. Business Resources: www.culvercity.gov/Services/Business-Resources

Important Note for Investors: While some STRs currently operate in Culver City through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, these are operating illegally without permits. The city is not actively enforcing the ban while considering new regulations, but this enforcement policy could change at any time. We strongly advise waiting for official regulatory approval before investing in or operating short-term rentals in Culver City.

The anticipated timeline for new regulations is before the end of 2025, making this a market to watch closely for future opportunities once legal frameworks are established.