Overview

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in La Verne, CA, but they are subject to strict regulations and requirements. The city permits STRs for rentals of 30 days or less, but only for a host's primary residence. This ordinance was developed after a moratorium that lasted from 2019 to 2021, reflecting the city's careful approach to balancing housing availability with tourism opportunities.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in La Verne

Starting a STR business in La Verne requires a multi-step process that prioritizes community integration and regulatory compliance:

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

• Confirm you own the property and it serves as your primary residence
• Ensure the property is located in an allowable residential zone (single or multi-family)

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

• Gather at least two forms of primary residence documentation from the approved list
• Create a detailed floor plan of the rental property
• Prepare emergency contact information and confirm 24-hour availability within one hour

Step 3: Submit Application

• Complete the Short-Term Rental Permit Form
• Pay the $100 initial application fee to the Finance Department
• Submit all required documentation simultaneously

Step 4: Neighborhood Notice Period

• The city will notice six adjacent neighbors about your application
• Monitor for any objections during the 10-day notice period
• Be prepared to address community concerns

Step 5: Permit Approval and Compliance

• If approved, prominently display the permit within the dwelling unit
• Register any advertising platforms with your license number
• Implement all operational requirements (parking, quiet times, etc.)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documentation Requirements

Primary Residence Verification (Minimum 2 Required):

• Motor vehicle registration showing La Verne address
• State-issued identification with current address
• Voter registration records
• Tax documents showing residential unit as primary residence
• All documents must be in the applicant's name

Application Materials:

• Completed Short-Term Rental Permit Form
• $100 initial application fee
• Legal name, current address, and telephone number
• STR property address
• Emergency contact information with 24-hour availability commitment
• Detailed floor plan of the rental property

Permits and Licenses

Primary Permit:

• Short-Term Rental Permit ($100 initial fee, $35 annual renewal)
• Permit must be prominently displayed in the dwelling unit

Business License:

• Annual business license renewal required alongside STR permit
• Renewal must be submitted no later than 30 days before permit expiration

Advertising Compliance:

• All platform listings must display the city-issued license number
• Maximum occupancy must be clearly stated in all advertisements

Operational Guidelines

Occupancy Limits:

• Maximum 2 persons per bedroom
• Maximum 10 persons per dwelling unit
• No occupancy limit for children under 18 years old

Parking Requirements:

• Necessary off-street parking must be provided for all guests
• Ensure adequate parking doesn't negatively impact neighborhood

Quiet Hours:

• Mandatory quiet times from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM
• Host responsible for enforcing and monitoring compliance

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (La Verne Municipal Code)

Permit Processing Requirements:

• Six adjacent neighbors must be noticed by the city
• If 3 or more neighbors object within 10 days, permit may be denied
• Approval required if all requirements are met and no valid objections received

Operating Conditions (Chapter 18.94.090):

• Compliance with Transient Occupancy Tax requirements per Chapter 3.16
• Adherence to all posted operational conditions
• Maintenance of primary residence status throughout permit period

Renewal and Enforcement:

• Annual renewal required with business license
• Director may refuse renewal for multiple violations
• Conditional Use Permit available if initial application is denied

Transient Occupancy Tax:

• Subject to TOT requirements under La Verne Municipal Code Chapter 3.16
• Separate tax collection and remittance obligations apply

Zoning and Location Restrictions

Permitted Zones:

• Residential single-family zones
• Residential multi-family zones
• STRs must maintain primary residence status

Property Type Requirements:

• Only owner-occupied properties eligible
• Investment properties and second homes are not permitted for STR use

State-Level Considerations (California)

General California Requirements:

• Compliance with state health and safety codes
• Adherence to California Civil Code regarding tenant rights
• State-mandated 24-hour cancellation policy for certain reservations

Contact Information for Local STR Authority

Primary Contacts

Finance Department (Permit Applications):

• Address: 3660 D Street, La Verne, CA 91750
• Phone: (909) 596-8716
• Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Community Development Department (Planning/Zoning):

• Phone: (909) 596-8726
• Address: 3660 D Street, La Verne, CA 91750

Direct STR Contact:

• Julie Gironella
• Email: jgironella@cityoflaverne.org
• Phone: (909) 596-8722

City Hall Main Contact

• Address: 3660 "D" Street, La Verne, CA 91750
• Phone: (909) 596-8726
• Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Links to Source Pages

Official City Documents

• Short-Term Rental Permit Information (PDF)
• Short-Term Rental Permit Form (PDF)
• Short-Term Rental Ordinance Number 1098 (PDF)
• La Verne Municipal Code Chapter 18.94 (QCode)

Registration and Forms

• Short-Term Rental Permit Registration

Reference Sources

• City of La Verne STR Information Page
• Airbnb La Verne STR Guidelines
• PublicCEO Ordinance Development Article

Online Services

• Building Permit Portal
• La Verne Online Services

This comprehensive regulatory framework reflects La Verne's commitment to maintaining residential character while allowing responsible short-term rental operations. Successful STR investment in La Verne requires diligent compliance with all requirements, active community engagement, and ongoing attention to regulatory updates.