Overview: Are STVRs allowed in La Quinta?

• Yes—short‑term vacation rentals (30 consecutive days or fewer) are allowed in La Quinta, but only with a valid STVR permit and business license. The City has imposed a permanent ban on new STVR permits citywide, with limited exceptions. Renewals for existing permits continue and can be completed via the online portal. As of January 4, 2024, new STVR permits may be issued for:
  • Homeshare permits (owner occupies the unit throughout the guest’s stay).
  • Large Lot Qualified/Certified properties (single parcel ≥25,000 sq ft), subject to a public hearing exemption process.
  • A small set of exempt zones and approved developments. See Section 3.25.055 of the La Quinta Municipal Code (LQMC) and the City’s exempt area guidance.[7][9]

How to start a STVR business in this market

1. Eligibility verification
   • Email the STVR Team at VacationLQ@LaQuintaCA.gov with the property address. Staff will confirm whether your property is within an exempt area or otherwise eligible under Section 3.25.055 (e.g., Homeshare or Large Lot Qualified/Certified). If your property is within a homeowners’ association, ensure STVRs are authorized by your HOA documents and provide written confirmation if requested.[1]
2. Account set‑up and application
   • If eligible, staff will email instructions to set up your online account and apply for the STVR permit and business license. Upload a scanned copy of your recorded grant deed for ownership verification and a government‑issued ID per the application steps. The paperless portal supports permits, business licenses, TOT filings, renewals, and payments.[3][6][4]
3. Permit selection and fees
   • Choose the appropriate permit type:
     • Homeshare: owner lives on‑site throughout the guest’s stay.
     • Primary Residence: owner’s primary residence (owner not on‑site during stays).
     • General: second home/investment property (owner not on‑site during stays).
     • General (mitigated): same as General but located in specified communities subject to mitigation fees.
   • Fees are annual and vary by permit type and bedroom count. Note: the FAQ lists slightly different fee amounts than the portal—confirm current fees at application time. Typical ranges below reflect the portal’s posted fees.[3][4]
     • Homeshare: $315 (≤4 bedrooms), $577.50 (≥5 bedrooms)
     • Primary: $787.50 (≤4 bedrooms), $1,312.50 (≥5 bedrooms), $787.50 (Multi‑Unit Lock‑Out)
     • General: $1,050 (≤4 bedrooms), $1,312.50 (≥5 bedrooms), $1,050 (Multi‑Unit Lock‑Out)
     • General (mitigated): $315 (≤4 bedrooms), $577.50 (≥5 bedrooms), $577.50 (Multi‑Unit Lock‑Out)
     • Technology enhancement fee: 5% of permit fee (applies to all permit types)
     • Business license: fee based on estimated yearly gross rental income; required for the owner, local contact, and any management company.[4]
4. Inspection (if applicable)
   • Certain permit categories require inspections; billed in half‑hour increments at the applicable department rate. Estate Home (≥5 bedrooms) includes an inspection in the fee. Special inspections are billed separately.[4]
5. Post‑permit operational setup
   • Post the STVR permit and the City’s Good Guest Brochure in a conspicuous place inside the unit at all times.[2][5]
   • Include the 6‑digit STVR permit number and approved occupancy limit at the top of each advertisement (e.g., Airbnb). Only list the City‑approved bedroom count.[4]
   • Monitor occupancy limits and post occupancy signs if requested by the City; see occupancy table below.
6. Tax collection and remittance
   • Collect and remit 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and the 1% TBID assessment for stays of 27 days or less. File monthly even if there was no rental activity. Payments are due by the end of the month following the reporting month (e.g., January due by end of February). Penalties and interest apply for late remittance.[4][5][9][10]

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• Documents required for new application
  • Property eligibility verification (email the address to VacationLQ@LaQuintaCA.gov).
  • Recorded grant deed (scan/email to City).
  • Government‑issued ID (driver’s license or equivalent).
  • HOA authorization (if property is in an HOA allowing STVRs).
• Permit types and fees
  • Homeshare, Primary, General, General (mitigated). Fees vary by type, bedroom count, and multi‑unit lock‑outs; see fee table above. Technology enhancement fee of 5% applies to all permits.[3][4]
• Business license
  • Required for the property owner; also required for the local contact person and any management company. Annual fee based on projected gross rental income.[4][6]
• Posting requirements
  • STVR permit and Good Guest Brochure must be posted conspicuously inside the unit at all times.[2][5]
• Advertisement requirements
  • Ads must display the 6‑digit STVR permit number and approved bedroom count prominently at the top. Only advertise the City‑approved bedroom count.[4]
• Occupancy limits (overnight and daytime)
  • Overnight: 10:01 p.m.–6:59 a.m.
  • Daytime: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. (includes overnight occupants)
  • | Bedrooms | Overnight Occupants | Daytime Occupants (incl. overnight) | |---|---|---| | Studio (0) | 2 | 2–8 | | 1 | 2–4 | 2–8 | | 2 | 4–6 | 4–8 | | 3 | 6–8 | 6–12 | | 4 | 8–10 | 8–16 | | 5 | 10–12 | 10–18 | | 6 | 12–14 | 12–20 | | 7 | 14 | 14–20 | | 8 | 16 | 16–22 | | 9 | 18 | 18–24 |
• Taxes and assessments
  • TOT: 10% of gross rental income (inclusive of all guest fees).
  • TBID: 1% assessment on stays ≤27 days, collected by the City alongside TOT.
  • Monthly filing required even with no activity; payment due within 30 days after the end of the reporting month. Late payments incur penalty and interest.[4][5][9][10]

Specific regulations (city, county, and state)

• City of La Quinta — Municipal Code Chapter 3.25 (Short‑Term Vacation Rentals)
  • Permanent ban on issuance of new STVR permits (Section 3.25.055), with specific exemptions including Homeshare, Large Lot Qualified/Certified, and properties in defined exempt zones/approved developments.[7][1]
  • New Homeshare STVR permits are exempt from the ban and require the owner to occupy the unit throughout the guest’s stay. Large Lot Qualified/Certified (single parcel ≥25,000 sq ft) may apply for a Council exemption at a public hearing (Section 3.25.057). If approved, a new STVR permit may be issued.[1]
  • Violations and fines: 1st violation $1,500; 2nd $3,000; 3rd or more $5,000; operating without a permit is subject to citation and potential permit suspension or revocation. See Section 3.25.090.[8]
  • Annual renewals are available via the online portal; renewals are automatically available 60 days prior to permit expiration. Renewal/application approval can take up to 30 days after submission.[3][4]
  • 24/7 STVR hotline call routing plan is published by the City for complaint handling.[2]
  • Noise Monitoring Device Pilot Program may apply to certain STVRs; review current pilot guidance on the City’s STVR pages.[2]
• County and State
  • County‑level STR ordinances are not present in the provided content; follow La Quinta’s city regulations. State‑level standards that apply to STRs across California include standard health and safety requirements, local tax collection duties (TOT), and consumer protection obligations. Confirm any additional state requirements separately.

Contacts and resources

• STVR Program Team (City of La Quinta)
  • Phone: (760) 777‑7000
  • Email: VacationLQ@LaQuintaCA.gov
  • Address: 78‑495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA 92253[2][3]
• Online portal (permits, business licenses, TOT, renewals): [laquinta.munirevs.com3][4]
• STVR Account Login & Application Info (step‑by‑step): [www.laquintaca.gov/connect/short-term-vacation-rentals/stvr-all-forms3]
• STVR Program homepage, updates, and documents: [www.laquintaca.gov/residents/short-term-vacation-rentals2]
• Exempt Areas map (for eligibility verification): [www.laquintaca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/46052/6387506407418000001]
• Active & Suspended STVR Permits (weekly lists): www.laquintaca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/49718/638973243030070000 (Excel) and www.laquintaca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/49776/638973243316930000 (PDF)[2]
• STVR Public Portal Map (GIS): [str-public-portal.deckard.com/?place=cityoflaquinta2]
• Good Guest Brochure (posting requirement): [www.laquintaca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/46454/6378474920142610605]
• La Quinta Municipal Code Chapter 3.25: [library.municode.com/ca/la_quinta/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT3REFI_CH3.25SHRMVARE7]
• Chapter 3.25.090 (Violations and fines): [library.municode.com/ca/la_quinta/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT3REFI_CH3.25SHRMVARE_3.25.090VI8]
• STVR FAQ (program details): [laquinta.munirevs.com/faq/4]
• Greater Palm Springs TBID information: [www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/2020-tbid/10]
• Airbnb host guidance for La Quinta (permit posting, permit/advertising requirements): [www.airbnb.com/help/article/29975]

Important investor notes

• New STVR permits are restricted; verify eligibility before committing to a purchase or conversion. Eligibility hinges on being in an exempt area, qualifying as a Homeshare, or obtaining a Large Lot exemption via Council hearing.
• TOT and TBID must be collected and remitted monthly, including periods with no rental activity. Late filings incur penalty and interest.
• Ensure advertisement compliance (permit number and approved bedroom count). Non‑compliance triggers fines and can lead to permit suspension or revocation.
• HOA restrictions can supersede city allowances—confirm your HOA’s stance on STVRs in writing before proceeding.

Links to source pages

• City of La Quinta STVR Program homepage: [www.laquintaca.gov/residents/short-term-vacation-rentals2]
• STVR Account Login & Application Info: [www.laquintaca.gov/connect/short-term-vacation-rentals/stvr-all-forms3]
• STVR FAQ (portal and program rules): [laquinta.munirevs.com/faq/4]
• Airbnb STVR guidance for La Quinta: [www.airbnb.com/help/article/29975]
• Exempt Areas map: [www.laquintaca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/46052/6387506407418000001]
• Weekly Active & Suspended Permits (Excel): [www.laquintaca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/49718/6389732430300700002]
• Weekly Active & Suspended Permits (PDF): [www.laquintaca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/49776/6389732433169300002]
• STVR Public Portal Map (GIS): [str-public-portal.deckard.com/?place=cityoflaquinta2]
• Good Guest Brochure: [www.laquintaca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/46454/6378474920142610605]
• La Quinta Municipal Code Chapter 3.25: [library.municode.com/ca/la_quinta/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT3REFI_CH3.25SHRMVARE7]
• Section 3.25.090 Violations: [library.municode.com/ca/la_quinta/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT3REFI_CH3.25SHRMVARE_3.25.090VI8]
• STVR Online Portal (permits, TOT, renewals): [laquinta.munirevs.com3][4]
• Greater Palm Springs TBID: [www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/2020-tbid/10]