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Riverside

California · United States
Active
Last updated: 2026-07-29  ·  Last verified: 2026-07-29  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Riverside Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusPermitted with registration
Permit / License RequiredYes
Tax RateTransient Occupancy Tax applies per City of Riverside Ch. 5.32. Riverside County (unincorporated) rate: 10% TOT. Specific city TOT rate — verify with
Night / Day CapNone specified in City of Riverside Ch. 5.55 (STR defined as fewer than 30 consecutive days)
Minimum StayRiverside County Ordinance 927: minimum 2 nights and 1 day (i.e., minimum 2-night stay). City of Riverside Ch. 5.55: not explicitly specified.
Permit FeeSTR Permit required (City of Riverside, Ch. 5.55); specific permit fee not confirmed from official source — verify with City of Riverside Finance/Plan
PenaltiesCity of Riverside: administrative citations and fines for violations. County (Ord. 927): $1,000 first violation; $3,000 second violation within one ye
Occupancy LimitCity of Riverside: subject to building/safety codes and Ch. 19.150.020.A. Riverside County (unincorporated): 10 guests for properties on lots ≤0.5 acr
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Riverside Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Riverside Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations in Riverside, California are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are STR Permit required (City of Riverside, Ch. 5.55); specific permit fee not confirmed from official s.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Riverside

Short-term rental operators in Riverside should be aware of these tax obligations: Transient Occupancy Tax applies per City of Riverside Ch. 5.32. Riverside County (unincorporated) rate: 10% TOT. Specific city TOT rate — verify with City of Riverside Finance Dept..

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Riverside

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Riverside include: Rental day cap: None specified in City of Riverside Ch. 5.55 (STR defined as fewer than 30 consecutive days). Occupancy limit: City of Riverside: subject to building/safety codes and Ch. 19.150.020.A. Riverside County (unincorporated): 10 guests f. Minimum stay: Riverside County Ordinance 927: minimum 2 nights and 1 day (i.e., minimum 2-night stay). City of Riverside Ch. 5.55: not.

Zoning and Location Requirements in Riverside

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Riverside: City of Riverside: STRs permitted in residential zones subject to Ch. 5.55 permit and zoning compliance (Ch. 19 Land Use). Not permitted in affordable housing deed-restricted units. May not be used as. Density rules: None explicitly identified for City of Riverside; county-level density rules vary by community.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Riverside

Hosts who fail to comply with Riverside's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. City of Riverside: administrative citations and fines for violations. County (Ord. 927): $1,000 first violation; $3,000 second violation within one year; additional escalating penalties per Ordinance .

Platform Obligations in Riverside

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Riverside: City of Riverside Ch. 5.55.070: brokers/platforms that collect revenue from arranging or listing STRs have primary responsibility for collecting, paying, and transmitting TOT revenues to the city. Pla.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Active
License / Registration
Yes
Tax Registration
Yes
Permit Fee
STR Permit required (City of Riverside, Ch. 5.55); specific permit fee not confirmed from official source — verify with City of Riverside Finance/Planning Dept. NOTE: Riverside County (unincorporated areas) has a separate certificate program with fees of ~$740 initial / $540 annual renewal (Ordinance 927.2), but these apply only outside city limits.
Night / Day Cap
None specified in City of Riverside Ch. 5.55 (STR defined as fewer than 30 consecutive days)
Occupancy Limit
City of Riverside: subject to building/safety codes and Ch. 19.150.020.A. Riverside County (unincorporated): 10 guests for properties on lots ≤0.5 acres; up to 16 guests for properties on 0.5–2 acre lots.
Tax Rate
Transient Occupancy Tax applies per City of Riverside Ch. 5.32. Riverside County (unincorporated) rate: 10% TOT. Specific city TOT rate — verify with City of Riverside Finance Dept.
Zoning Restrictions
City of Riverside: STRs permitted in residential zones subject to Ch. 5.55 permit and zoning compliance (Ch. 19 Land Use). Not permitted in affordable housing deed-restricted units. May not be used as event venues contrary to code. County (unincorporated): zoning map governs eligible parcels; communities like Idyllwild may have additional restrictions.
Minimum Stay
Riverside County Ordinance 927: minimum 2 nights and 1 day (i.e., minimum 2-night stay). City of Riverside Ch. 5.55: not explicitly specified.
Density Rules
None explicitly identified for City of Riverside; county-level density rules vary by community
Platform Obligations
City of Riverside Ch. 5.55.070: brokers/platforms that collect revenue from arranging or listing STRs have primary responsibility for collecting, paying, and transmitting TOT revenues to the city. Platforms must comply with administrative subpoenas for STR data.
Compliance Notes
City of Riverside: Operators must comply with TOT remittance (Ch. 5.32), noise/nuisance ordinances, parking, and refuse rules. STR may not be used as event venue. HOA/CC&R restrictions not preempted by city permit. County (Ord. 927.2): 24/7 onsite local contact required, must respond in-person within 60 minutes; onsite posting of operator info, contacts, parking, trash, Good Neighbor Brochure required. Ord. 927.3 was scheduled for Riverside County Board of Supervisors hearing on July 28, 2026 — confirm any amendments.
Effective Date
City of Riverside: Municipal Code Chapter 5.55 (Short-Term Residential Rentals) — current. Riverside County: Ordinance No. 927.2 (active); Ordinance 927.3 (pending BOS adoption ~July 28, 2026).
Key Notes
IMPORTANT DISTINCTION: 'Riverside' as a city (City of Riverside, Riverside County seat) is governed by City of Riverside Municipal Code Ch. 5.55. The broader Riverside County STR ordinance (Ord. 927/927.2) applies only to unincorporated county areas. This record covers CITY of Riverside. Riverside County Ord. 927.3 amendments were scheduled for BOS vote on 2026-07-29 — check planning.rctlma.org for latest adopted text.
Penalties
City of Riverside: administrative citations and fines for violations. County (Ord. 927): $1,000 first violation; $3,000 second violation within one year; additional escalating penalties per Ordinance No. 725 / California Government Code §53069.4. Special enforcement team for 'party house' complaints with fines ranging from $1,500–$5,000.
Additional Context
Riverside County STR program (unincorporated areas): registration via County Transportation and Land Management Agency (RCTLMA) at planning.rctlma.org. Some sub-communities within Riverside County have additional restrictions or moratoriums (e.g., Thousand Palms, B Bar H Ranch). Rancho Mirage (a separate city within Riverside County) banned all STRs effective July 1, 2022.
Sources
City of Riverside Municipal Code Ch. 5.55 (Short-Term Residential Rentals): https://library.municode.com/ca/riverside/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_TIT5BU_CH5.55SHRMRERE | Riverside County STR Program (unincorporated): https://planning.rctlma.org/short-term-rental-program | Riverside County Treasurer-Tax Collector STR page: https://countytreasurer.org/tax-collector/short-term-vacation-rentals | Riverside County Ord. 927 (Municode): https://library.municode.com/ca/riverside_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT5BULIRE_CH5.84SHTERE
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Riverside?

Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Riverside with proper registration and permits. City of Riverside: Operators must comply with TOT remittance (Ch. 5.32), noise/nuisance ordinances, parking, and refuse rules. STR may not be used as event venue. HOA/CC&R restrictions not preempted b

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Riverside?

Yes. Riverside requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Riverside?

Short-term rental hosts in Riverside are subject to the following tax obligations: Transient Occupancy Tax applies per City of Riverside Ch. 5.32. Riverside County (unincorporated) rate: 10% TOT. Specific city TOT rate — verify with City of Riverside Finance Dept..

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Riverside?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Riverside may face enforcement. City of Riverside: administrative citations and fines for violations. County (Ord. 927): $1,000 first violation; $3,000 second violation within one year; additional escalating penalties per Ordinance No. 725 / California Government Code §53069.4. Spe.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Riverside?

IMPORTANT DISTINCTION: 'Riverside' as a city (City of Riverside, Riverside County seat) is governed by City of Riverside Municipal Code Ch. 5.55. The broader Riverside County STR ordinance (Ord. 927/927.2) applies only to unincorporated county areas. This record covers CITY of Riverside. Riverside County Ord. 927.3 amendments were scheduled for BOS vote on 2026-07-29 — check planning.rctlma.org fo

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