Introduction
The STR program was established by Ordinance 927.1 on October 2022 and amended by Ordinance 927.2 on December 2023, to ensure neighborhood compatibility and reduce conflicts within the surrounding residential neighborhoods, facilitate economic growth within the County, and to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of County residents.
To prepare for your stay in a Short-Term Rental, please watch our video on the right to be aware of compliance standards the may affect the renter and operator.
What is a Short-Term Rental?
The Short-Term Rental (STR) program allows property owners to use their legally privately owned residential dwelling within the County of Riverside. STR's are rented for occupancy for dwelling, lodging, or sleeping purposes for any period less than 30 consecutive calendar days total, but not less than two consecutive days and one night. An STR may include any accessory dwelling unit (ADU), junior ADU, second unit, guest quarter, or ranchette unit not otherwise prohibited by state law.
What is not a Short-Term Rental?
A property owner wishing to apply for a Short-Term Rental (STR) certificate is prohibited from using their property as a hotel, bed and breakfast inn, or a motel. Additionally, STR's shall not use their property for commercial purposes and venue activities such as weddings, wedding receptions, concerts, festivals, and large parties exceeding maximum occupancy unless a correct permit has been acquired for the event. Furthermore, STR properties using recreational vehicles, yurts, tents, treehouses, and any other non-habitable structure is prohibited from obtaining a permit.
Short-Term Rental Certificate
The Short-Term Rental (STR) Certificate is required before advertising to rent for any Short-Term Rental. It is unlawful for any person to advertise, maintain, operate, or use a Short-Term Rental in the unincorporated area of the County of Riverside without a Short-Term Rental Certificate, or in violation of the terms and conditions of the Certificate.
Short-Term Rental Certificates are renewed annually, and separate Certificates are required for each property used as an Short-Term Rental. A property under new ownership will have to apply for a new Short-Term Rental Certificate as it does not run with the land. New and renewing Applicants must meet the requirements set forth in Ordinance 927.2.
A Short-Term Rental Certificate is awarded by the Planning Department once the Application Submittal is approved and the property inspection is passed by the Code Enforcement Department.
Application Submittal Portal
To submit a Short-Term Rental (STR) Application to the County of Riverside Planning Department, the submittal package must have all correct documents and associated fees paid. The initial application fee for a Short-Term Rental Application is $740 and annual renewal fee is $540. In the event that a Short-Term Rental Certificate has been expired for 90-days or more, a new initial application and initial registration fee must be initiated.
To submit a Short-Term Rental Application or renew an existing Short-Term Rental Application to the County of Riverside Planning Department, click the online portal below. To change the Responsible Party or Emergency Contact, email [email protected] or contact at (951) 955-0220.
Be advised physical applications, application materials, and payments are not processed in person or over the phone. All applications must be submitted through the Application Submittal Portal.
Required Application Forms and Documents
- Proof of Ownership (Copy of Grant Deed)
- Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate - Complete the TOT Registration Form and submit to the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office at [email protected] to obtain a TOT Certificate.
- Applicant-Property Owner Written Authorization Form
- Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreement Form
- Self-Certification Checklist Form
For any additional assistance with an application, please email [email protected].
Restricted Areas
The County of Riverside provides limitations on Short-Term Rentals within the below listed unincorporated County areas Limitations can include age restrictions, occupancy, proximity to other Short-Term Rentals, maximum Short-Term Rental Certificates allotted, and how many Certificates a owner entity can hold.
Thousand Palms and B Bar H Ranch
Overview
The Board of Supervisors approved the extension to February 28, 2026, of Ordinance No. 449.254, an Urgency Interim Ordinance of the County of Riverside moratorium on new Short-Term Rentals within the unincorporated County areas of Thousand Palms and B Bar H Ranch. The extended timeframe of the moratorium is effective from Friday April 15, 2025 to Friday February 28, 2026. During the term of this urgency ordinance, no new Short-Term Rentals shall be allowed on properties located within the unincorporated areas of Thousand Palms or B Bar H Ranch. Renewals of existing Short-Term Rentals which meet all of the requirements for renewal pursuant to Ordinance No. 927, are exempted from this moratorium.
Idyllwild
Overview
Idyllwild also known as the Village Tourist Policy Area restrictions include:
- No Owner or Owner Entity shall hold more than two (2) Short-Term Rental Certificates.
- The cap of Short-Term Rentals allowed in Idyllwild is 500.
- Short-Term Rentals can not be located within a 150 foot radius of any other Short-Term Rental.
Tier 2: Lottery System
The County of Riverside, Planning Department opens a Tier 2 Lottery System if the number of Short-Term Rental Certificates falls below 500. January and July of each calendar year, the County shall evaluate whether the number of Short-Term Rental Certificates falls below the cap in Idyllwild. If the the existing certificates meet the 500 cap, the Lottery System will not be opened until the next evaluation. If the Tier 2 Lottery application period is open, applications are reviewed by the Planning Department to determine eligibility requirements set forth in Ordinance 927.2.
Wine Country
Overview
The Wine Country also know as the Temecula Wine County Policy Area is divided into four distinct districts such as the Winery District, Residential District, Equestrian District, and North Wine Country District. Limitations in these areas include:
- Maximum Certificates allotted.
- Responsible Guests must be at least twenty-five (25) years of age.
- Short-Term Rentals can not be located within a 500 foot radius of any other Short-Term Rental.
- No Owner or Owner Entity shall hold more than two (2) Short-Term Rental Certificates.
- Occupancy: Class I or Class II
Wine Country District(s) | Short-Term Rentals Cap |
|---|---|
Winery District | 129 |
Residential District | 8 |
Equestrian District | 105 |
North Wine Country | 16 |
Tier 2: Lottery System
The County of Riverside, Planning Department opens a Tier 2 Lottery System if the number of Short-Term Rental Certificates falls below the maximum cap for each Wine County District. January and July of each calendar year, the County shall evaluate whether the number of Short-Term Rental Certificates falls below the cap. If the the existing certificates meet the cap, the Lottery System will not be opened until the next evaluation. If the Tier 2 Lottery application period is open, applications are reviewed by the Planning Department to determine eligibility requirements set forth in Ordinance 927.2.
Class I and Class II
The Wine County includes specific limitations on occupancy. Occupancy is categorized it into Class I and Class II. Each district can allow both or one with additional specifications. Below is the definitions of the class and what class is applied to each district.
- Class I Maximum 10 occupants
- Class II Maximum of 20 occupants
*Class II eligibility requires at least fifty percent (50%) of the property net acreage to be planted with vineyards or other agricultural crop(s) and is determined by the Planning Department through a submitted site plan.
Wine Country District(s) | Class I or Class II |
|---|---|
Winery District | Class I and Class II* |
Residential District | Class I |
Equestrian District | Class I |
North Wine Country | Class I |
Code Enforcement Department
The County of Riverside Code Enforcement Department enforces 927.2, section 14, inspections, violations, enforcement and penalties. Specifically, Code Enforcement ensures all Short-Term Rentals meet operating requirements relating to occupancy, age restrictions, response time, noise, parking, complaints and inspections.
Inspection Request
Once the Planning Department has approved a Short-Term Rental application and confirmed fees have been paid, the applicant must contact the Code Enforcement Department for an inspection of the exterior signage required and other documentation made available to guest. Email [email protected] or contact (951) 955-2004 with name and Short-Term Rental address to request an inspection. A Code Enforcement Officer will visit the property to verify exterior sign is readily visible from the public view and has correct information that is legible.
Exterior Requirements
- An Short-Term Rental exterior/identification sign that is readily visible from the public view and must contain legible information. The size of the sign must measure two square feet in area or one foot by two foot in size.
- Responsible operator that can be reached at 24/7.
- Adequate on-site parking provided for Short-Term Rental guests.
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Document and Information Requirements
- Emergencies website: https://rivcoready.org/alert-rivco
- Evacuation plan
- Copy of Short-Term Rental operational requirements
- Trash pickup day (rules and regulations)
- Copy of Riverside County Ordinances No. 847
- Copy of Ordinance 927.2
- Copy of Good Neighbor Brochure
File a Complaint
Call the 24-hour Short-Term Rental hotline: (951) 955-2004 or (760) 393-3344 in the desert. To submit an online complaint, email [email protected].
Short-Term Rental Restrictions
Age Restrictions
Responsible guests must be at least 25 years old in the Wine Country District. Outside of Wine Country Districts, responsible guests must be at least 21 years old.
Events
To hold events at an Short-Term Rental property, you must first contact the County of Riverside Planning Department at (951) 955-3200.
Response Time
The responsible operator for the Short-Term Rental shall be responsible for correcting the violation promptly, which includes 60 minutes, contacting the responsible guest to correct the violation and visiting the site, if necessary, to ensure the violation has been corrected.
Noise
An Short-Term Rental shall comply with Riverside County Ordinance 847, Including quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Any sound that is increased by any amplified equipment or that is electronically enhanced, must comply with provisions of County of Riverside Ordinance 847. An Short-Term Rental shall comply with Riverside County Ordinance 924, related to loud or unruly parties, gatherings, or other similar events.
Parking
Adequate on-site parking required.
Wine Country Occupancy
If the subject property lies within the Wine County areas and districts, other requirements apply dependent if they are Class I or Class II. Class eligibility is determined by the Planning Department. Each district can allow both or one with additional specifications. Below is the definitions of the class and what class is applied to each district.
- Class I Maximum 10 occupants
- Class II Maximum of 20 occupants
*Class II eligibility requires at least fifty percent (50%) of the property net acreage to be planted with vineyards or other agricultural crop(s) and is determined by the Planning Department through a submitted site plan.
Wine Country District(s) | Class I or Class II |
|---|---|
Winery District | Class I and Class II* |
Residential District | Class I |
Equestrian District | Class I |
North Wine Country | Class I |
Occupancy
Acreage | Maximum Occupants Allowed |
|---|---|
1/2 acre or less | 10 |
1/2 acres to 2 acres | 16 |
2+ acres | Max. 20 |
Any acreage | Over 20 occupants, contact the Planning Department. |
Latest News
Update: Temporary Moratorium Extended until February 28, 2026 on the Unincorporated Areas of Thousand Palms and B Bar H Ranch
The Board of Supervisors approved the extension to February 28, 2026, of Ordinance No. 449.254, an Urgency Interim Ordinance of the County of Riverside moratorium on new Short-Term Rentals within the unincorporated County areas of Thousand Palms and B Bar H Ranch. The extended timeframe of the moratorium is effective from Friday April 15, 2025 to Friday February 28, 2026.
Boundary Maps
Documents
The staff report for the extension until February 28, 2026 and other attachments can be found here:
Board of Supervisor's Regular Meeting, April 15, 2025.
The live recording of the regular meeting can be found here:
The staff report, Ordinance No. 449.254, and other attachments can be found here:
Board of Supervisor's Regular Meeting, March 11, 2025.
The live recording of the regular meeting can be found here:
Temporary 45-day Moratorium on the Unincorporated Areas of Thousand Palms and B Bar H Ranch
The Board of Supervisors approved the adoption of Ordinance No. 449.254, an Urgency Interim Ordinance of the County of Riverside establishing a temporary 45-day moratorium on new Short-Term Rentals within the unincorporated County areas of Thousand Palms and B Bar H Ranch. The moratorium is effective from Tuesday, March 11, 2025 to Friday, April 25, 2025.
Boundary Maps
Documents
The staff report, Ordinance No. 449.254, and other attachments can be found here:
Board of Supervisor's Regular Meeting, March 11, 2025.
The live recording of the regular meeting can be found here:
Archived News
Short-Term Rental Tier 2 Application Closed
Tier 2 application period is currently closed.
To keep up to date on the latest news, please register for our department’s newsletter at https://planning.rctlma.org/.
Tier 2 Timeline:
Deckard's Short-Term Rental Public Portal Map
Coming soon: Deckard's Short-Term Rental Public Portal Map will be posted to this website.
Amended ordinance adopted by the Board of Supervisors
The Board of Supervisors formally adopted new rules for the County’s Short-Term Rental ordinance that would include caps on new short-term rentals in Idyllwild and Wine Country; and add age and capacity limits; create density and distance requirements of short-term rentals; ownership limits, and a lottery system for allowing new short-term rentals in each area when there is capacity. The new rules take effect on Jan. 11, 2024.
Applications for new short-term rentals in the areas that were under the moratorium are not yet being accepted. The County will open the Tier 1 application period on February 1, 2024. The application window will be open for 90 days. Once the 90-day period has concluded, the County will begin making determinations on the requests. Fifteen days in advance of the application window opening, the Planning Department will publish instructions on how to apply and what is required on our website and social media channels.
Short-Term Rental Tier 1 Application Closed
The Tier 1 Application period closed at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1. The Riverside County Planning Department will review all Tier 1 applications received to verify whether applications meet Tier 1 requirements in accordance with Ordinance 927.2. Only qualified Tier 1 applications shall have the opportunity to be selected as eligible properties. If the number of qualified Tier 1 qualified applications received exceeds the Tier 1 Cap, the County shall implement a stand-alone lottery to select eligible properties up to the Tier 1 Cap. If any of the eligible properties does not meet all the application requirements, then the County shall not issue a Short-Term Rental Certificate for that property.
How much does an Short-Term Rental certificate cost?
- Initial application fee: $740
- Annual renewal fee: $540
Who do I contact for assistance with my application?
Please email [email protected] or contact at (951) 955-0220.
What is a Transient Occupancy Tax Certificate? How do I get one?
Alongside with a Short-Term Rental (STR) Certificate, a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate is required to be compliant with the County of Riverside tax regulations. A TOT Certificate does not replace the STR Certificate and does not allow property owners to operate their private residential dwellings as STR's. Property owners can operate their dwelling as a STR once the application is approved by the Planning Department and follows the requirements in Ordinance 927.2. More information can be found in the application submittal portal.
Visit this link to the County Treasurer-Tax Collector for the Transient Occupancy Tax Form. A Transient Occupancy Tax Certificate outlined in Ordinance 495 is a vital document for businesses involved in STR's, ensuring they are legally recognized and compliant with the County of Riverside tax regulations. Click here to view an example of the TOT Certificate.
How do I request an Short-Term Rental inspection?
Email [email protected] or contact (951) 955-2004 to request an inspection.
Why Is my renewal certificate unavailable even though my renewal fee was paid?
- Renewal Application is being reviewed.
- Incomplete application materials.
- Active or Closed in Non-Compliance Code Enforcement cases.
- Code Enforcement inspection pending.
What do I do if my Short-Term Rental Certificate has expired?
Short-Term Rental Certificates expire when renewal fees have not been paid for 90-days or more. A new initial application and initial registration fee must be initiated. Email [email protected] or contact at (951) 955-0220.
Can I apply for an Short-Term Rental Certificate for a property I intend to purchase?
No, a Short-Term Rental Certificate application requires the grant deed to reflect the current property owner. Once ownership changes, the Certificate is null and void.
Can I transfer my Short-Term Rental Certificate with the sale of the property?
No, Short-Term Rental Certificates are non-transferable as they do not run with the land.
Where do I post my Short-Term Rental identification sign? What are the sign requirements?
The Short-Term Rental sign must be in a location that is readily and clearly visible from the public view and state the information in lettering that can be easily read. The size of the sign must measure two square feet by area or one foot by two feet in size.
What is the allowed occupancy for Short-Term Rentals in Temecula Wine Country?
What is the allowed occupancy for my Short-Term Rental?
Occupancy
Acreage | Maximum Occupants Allowed |
|---|---|
1/2 acre or less | 10 |
1/2 acres to 2 acres | 16 |
2+ acres | Max. 20 |
Any acreage | Over 20 occupants, contact the Planning Department. |
How do I close my Short-Term Rental account?
- Complete and submit a request account closure form.
- Be advised, once the account has closed payments are non-refundable.
What is a Temporary Event Permit and how do I get one?
A Temporary Event Permit is for an indoor or outdoor event held on privately owned property that is not an established facility, to which attendees are present whether open to the public or a private event, with or without charge. Temporary events include, but are not limited to, festivals, concerts, dances, rallies, stage or theatrical shows, sports events, equine events, fairs, carnivals, rodeos, automobile sales, wedding ceremonies and receptions, off-road vehicle sales, animal sales or events, art shows, heavy equipment auctions, charity events, tent revival meetings, and race events that take place either solely on private property or on private property and within the public right-of-way.
For more information or to access the Temporary Event Permit application, please visit the provided link here or contact the Planning Department at (951) 955-3200.
Contact Us
Planning Department
Email: [email protected]
Contact: (951) 955-0220
Code Enforcement Department
Email: [email protected]
Contact: (951) 955-2004
County of Riverside Office
County Administrative Center
4080 Lemon Street, 12th Floor
Riverside, CA 92502-1605
