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Source-checked permit guide · Palm Springs, CA

Does Palm Springs require a short-term rental permit?

Yes. Palm Springs requires the certificate or permit matching the rental model, and neighborhood caps can affect whether a new vacation-rental certificate is available for the address.

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Last reviewed September 20, 2026 · Official source: City of Palm Springs

At a glance

What does the official Palm Springs program require?

Permit or registration
Vacation Rental Certificate or applicable Homeshare, Junior Vacation Rental, or Limited Vacation Rental permit
Responsible office
Special Program Compliance, Vacation Rental Compliance
Published fee information
The city publishes a $1,046 new or annual Vacation Rental registration fee effective December 1, 2025, with different fees for other permit types.
Code or ordinance
Palm Springs Municipal Code, Chapter 5.25; Ordinances 2075 and 2133

Permit type matters

Palm Springs distinguishes standard Vacation Rentals from Homeshare, Junior Vacation Rental, and Limited Vacation Rental programs. Each path has its own scope and published fee.

As published by City of Palm Springs · Reviewed September 20, 2026 · Verify current

Current published registration fee

The main city page lists $1,046 for a new or annual Vacation Rental registration effective December 1, 2025. It separately lists lower fees for the other permit types.

As published by City of Palm Springs · Reviewed September 20, 2026 · Verify current

Neighborhood caps can control availability

The city identifies Ordinance 2075 as establishing a 20% neighborhood cap for vacation-rental certificates. Applicants should check the city's current neighborhood status before relying on eligibility.

As published by City of Palm Springs · Reviewed September 20, 2026 · Verify current

Address-level verification

What should you confirm before relying on the rule?

  • ✓ Whether the exact address, zoning district, and property type allow the proposed rental use.
  • ✓ Which license, registration, inspection, tax account, local contact, and renewal steps apply.
  • ✓ Whether ownership, primary-residence, occupancy, stay-length, cap, spacing, or platform rules change the answer.
  • ✓ Whether an HOA, lease, lender, insurer, MLS, platform, or brokerage policy adds another restriction.
  • ✓ Whether the ordinance, fees, maps, or enforcement guidance changed after this page was reviewed.

Primary source

This summary was checked against materials published by City of Palm Springs. Read the official program page and ask Special Program Compliance, Vacation Rental Compliance to confirm the current rule for the specific property.

Not legal advice. This page summarizes a primary government source reviewed on September 20, 2026; it is not a permit decision or a guarantee that the source remains current. Requirements can vary by address, zoning, ownership, and proposed use. Confirm the current rule with City of Palm Springs and appropriate counsel before buying, listing, advising, or operating. The STR Permit Explainer can help prepare a research checklist.

FAQ

Questions about Palm Springs STR permits

Do I need a permit to run a short-term rental in Palm Springs, CA?

Yes. Palm Springs requires the certificate or permit matching the rental model, and neighborhood caps can affect whether a new vacation-rental certificate is available for the address. Confirm the current rule for the exact address and proposed use with City of Palm Springs before relying on this summary.

What permit or registration does Palm Springs use?

Vacation Rental Certificate or applicable Homeshare, Junior Vacation Rental, or Limited Vacation Rental permit. The responsible office is Special Program Compliance, Vacation Rental Compliance. The city publishes a $1,046 new or annual Vacation Rental registration fee effective December 1, 2025, with different fees for other permit types.

Which ordinance should I check for Palm Springs?

Palm Springs Municipal Code, Chapter 5.25; Ordinances 2075 and 2133. Open the official source and confirm any amendments, effective dates, zoning conditions, and address-specific requirements.

Does RealtrAI give legal advice on STR permits?

No. This source-checked summary and RealtrAI's STR Permit Explainer are research aids, not legal advice or a current-rule guarantee. Confirm the requirements with City of Palm Springs and qualified counsel.

Prepare your STR research questions.

The STR Permit Explainer creates an informational draft. Verify every current rule with the official jurisdiction and qualified counsel.

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