1. Overview: STR Allowability

• Yes, Short-Term Rentals ARE Allowed in Needles, CA. The city has explicitly implemented a regulatory framework to permit and manage them. This framework mandates obtaining permits, business licenses, and compliance with specific rules. Key measures include Ordinance 649-AC (permit requirements) and Measure N (10% Transient Occupancy Tax).

2. How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Needles

1. Obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit: Apply using the city application form and schedule an inspection.
2. Pass Property Inspection: Ensure the property meets all safety, code, and posting requirements outlined in the inspection checklist.
3. Obtain a City Business License: Register your business with the city, declaring expected gross annual receipts to determine the license fee.
4. Comply with Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): Register for and begin collecting the 10% TOT from guests, remitting it monthly to the city.
5. Maintain Ongoing Compliance: Adhere to all operational rules, posting requirements, and local/state regulations.

3. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Short-Term Rental Permit Application: Link to Application Form
• Short-Term Rental Property Inspection Checklist: Link to Checklist (Must be completed during inspection).
• City Business License: Application and payment based on gross annual receipts tiers (see Section 4). Declaration form exists (older version may exist, but the structure likely applies).
• Compliance with Key Regulations: Ordinance 649-AC, Measure N (TOT), Municipal Code (specifically Chapter 2A for enforcement).
• Operational Standards: Requirements from the Property Inspection Checklist (posting occupancy limits, parking info, evacuation maps, manager contact, trash handling, noise standards, etc.).
• State/County Codes: Compliance required with CA Building Code, CA Fire Code, National Fire Protection Association Standards.

4. Specific Regulations

• City Level (Needles Municipal Code):
  • Ordinance 649-AC (Adopted 4/26/2022):
    • Requires a valid STR permit for operation.
    • Requires a current city business license.
    • Sets operational standards enforced under Chapter 2A of the Municipal Code.
    • Anticipated Cost (as of April 2022): $400 application and licensing fee.
    • Prohibits commercial activities like weddings, conferences, parties.
    • Requires renter registration prior to occupancy.
    • Requires owner/manager 24/7 phone availability and physical presence within 30 minutes to respond to issues.
  • Measure N (Approved 11/8/2022 - Effective 12/24/2022):
    • Imposes a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on guests' bills.
    • Must be collected by property owners and remitted to the city monthly.
  • Business License Structure (Needles City Code Section 12-68.1):
    • Annual license fee (Jul 1 - Jun 30) based on gross annual receipts from STR activities:
      • < $15,000: $30/yr
      • $15,000 - < $30,000: $35/yr
      • $30,000 - < $45,000: $50/yr
      • $45,000 - < $60,000: $60/yr
      • $60,000 - < $75,000: $70/yr
      • $75,000 - < $90,000: $85/yr
      • $90,000 - < $105,000: $105/yr
      • $105,000 - < $120,000: $120/yr
      • $120,000 - < $150,000: $140/yr
      • $150,000+ : $165/yr
    • Note: Requires declaration of expected gross receipts.
    • Note: New Account Fee is typically an additional $30.
    • Note: Verify current fees with the city.
  • Operational Requirements (from Checklist):
    • Postings: Occupancy limits, vehicle limits, 24/7 contact info, evacuation map, address, utility info, emergency numbers, parking map.
    • Safety: Working smoke detectors, functioning alarm (if present), compliance with fire/building codes, hot tub cover/lock.
    • Maintenance: Clean/sanitize after each occupancy, keep trash closed, manage animals.
    • Parking: On-site, unobstructed, posted limits.
    • Neighbor Notification: 300ft radius notice given.
    • Recordkeeping: Complaint log with outcomes.
    • On-Site Employees: Identification required.
    • Trash Storage/Disposal Arrangements.
    • Posting of Noise, Parking, Nuisance standards.
• County Level (San Bernardino County - as context for unincorporated areas surrounding Needles): County regulations (permits, fines) apply to STRs in unincorporated parts of the county, not within the incorporated city limits of Needles. Needles operates under its own city ordinances detailed above.
• State Level (California): STRs in Needles must comply with all applicable California laws, including:
  • Building codes.
  • Fire safety regulations.
  • Tax laws (state income tax, TOT is a local tax collected by the city).

5. Contact Information

• Primary STR Contact / Code Enforcement:
  • Bernard Hatz, Senior Code Enforcement Officer
  • Email: bhatz@cityofneedles.com
  • Phone: (760) 326-2115 ext. 129
  • Address: 817 Third Street, Needles, CA 92363
• City of Needles (General):
  • Address: 817 Third Street, Needles, CA 92363
  • Phone: (760) 326-2113
  • Email: info@cityofneedles.com
  • Website: City of Needles Homepage
  • Map: Google Maps Link
• Business Licensing: Business License Department, City Hall (same address).

6. Source Links

• Primary City STR Information: https://cityofneedles.com/departments/development-services/code-enforcement/short-term-rentals/
• STR Permit Application: https://cityofneedles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SHORT-TERM-RENTAL-APPLICATION.pdf
• Property Inspection Checklist: https://cityofneedles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Short-Term-Rentals-Cheaklist.pdf
• News Article on Ordinance (Context): https://sbcsentinel.com/2022/04/needles-now-regulating-short-term-rental-units/
• Business License Fee Structure (Code Ref): https://riobuenavista.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/12-68-1-short-term-rentals-new.pdf
• General City Contact Info: https://cityofneedles.com/contact-info/ (Link inferred from site navigation on main page content provided).

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes based on the provided sources. Always verify the latest regulations, forms, and fees directly with the City of Needles Development Services/Code Enforcement Department before operating.