Palm Springs is one of the most restrictive short-term rental markets in the entire United States. A 20% neighborhood density cap, a hard limit of 26 rental contracts per year, a $1,072 annual permit fee, and a $5,000 fine for first-time unlicensed operation make this a market where the rules are no joke. Read this before you do anything else.
📋 Palm Springs STR Permit — 2026 At a Glance
| Permit Name | Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit |
| Application Fee | $1,072 (full dwelling) | $642 (junior ADU) |
| Annual Renewal | Same annually |
| Processing Time | 3–6 weeks |
| Primary Residence Only? | Yes |
| Licensing Difficulty | Very Hard |
Do You Need a License to Short-Term Rent in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs requires all STR operators to obtain a city permit through the Planning Department. Permits are issued per dwelling unit — ADUs and junior ADUs require their own separate permits. The city limits rentals to 26 contracts per calendar year per property (one booking = one contract, regardless of length). Each of Palm Springs’ 66 residential neighborhoods has a 20% cap on the number of STR permits that can be issued relative to total housing units. When a neighborhood hits its cap, it is closed to new permits until existing ones are not renewed.
How to Get a Palm Springs Short-Term Rental Permit: Step by Step
- Check whether your neighborhood is open to new STR permits using the Palm Springs permit density map at palmspringsca.gov/STR.
- Apply online through the Palm Springs Planning Department portal. Upload proof of ownership or landlord authorization, a property site plan, floor plan, parking plan, and emergency contact information.
- Pay the applicable permit fee: $1,072 for a full dwelling or $642 for a junior ADU.
- Schedule and pass a fire safety inspection (required before permit issuance).
- Post the permit number prominently inside the property and on all listing advertisements.
- Track your contract count — you may not exceed 26 rental contracts per calendar year.
- Renew annually by the permit anniversary date.
Palm Springs Short-Term Rental Fees (2026)
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full Dwelling Permit | $1,072 | Annual |
| Junior ADU Permit | $642 | Annual |
| Transient Occupancy Tax Certificate | Free | Required |
| Fire Safety Inspection | Included | At initial application |
All STR operators must also register for a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate with the Palm Springs Finance Department before their first rental.
Key Rules & Restrictions for Palm Springs Hosts
- Maximum 26 rental contracts per calendar year per property — exceeding this is a violation even with a valid permit.
- Neighborhood density cap: no more than 20% of dwelling units in each of the 66 neighborhoods may hold an active STR permit.
- Each dwelling unit (including ADUs) requires its own separate permit.
- 24/7 local contact required, must respond within one hour of a complaint.
- No amplified music outdoors after 10pm.
- Permit number must be displayed inside the property and on all listing platforms.
- Permits are not transferable with property sales — new owners must reapply.
Taxes Short-Term Rental Hosts Owe in Palm Springs
Palm Springs collects a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) of 11.363% (city rate). California state tourism assessment: 1%. Total: approximately 12.4%. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit TOT and state assessments for most Palm Springs bookings automatically.
Penalties for Operating Without a Permit in Palm Springs
Operating without a permit: $5,000 first offense, $10,000 second offense, permanent permit ban for a third offense. Exceeding 26 annual contracts: $1,000/violation. Noise violations: $500+ per incident. Failure to maintain a local contact: $500/violation.
How HostStarter Handles Palm Springs STR Compliance
Keeping pace with Palm Springs’s permit requirements — renewals, inspections, tax remittance, and ordinance updates — is a significant ongoing commitment. HostStarter’s full-service property management includes complete compliance handling: we track deadlines, coordinate inspections, ensure your listing always displays a valid permit number, and alert you to regulatory changes before they impact your revenue.
Get a free Palm Springs revenue estimate from HostStarter →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Palm Springs?
Yes. Palm Springs requires a city STR permit, a Transient Occupancy Tax Certificate, and a fire safety inspection. Your neighborhood must also have capacity under the 20% density cap before you can be issued a permit.
How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Palm Springs?
The annual permit fee is $1,072 for a full dwelling unit or $642 for a junior ADU. The TOT Certificate and fire inspection are included in this process at no additional charge.
How long does it take to get an STR license in Palm Springs?
Most applications are processed in 3–6 weeks, assuming the fire inspection can be scheduled promptly and your neighborhood has available permit capacity.
What taxes do Airbnb hosts owe in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs hosts owe 11.363% city Transient Occupancy Tax plus 1% California tourism assessment — totaling approximately 12.4%. Airbnb and VRBO remit these automatically for most bookings.
What are the penalties for operating an unlicensed Airbnb in Palm Springs?
Operating without a permit: $5,000 for a first offense, $10,000 for a second, and permanent permit ban for a third. Exceeding 26 rental contracts in a calendar year: $1,000 per violation.