What is a Short-Term Rental?

"Short-term rental" or "short-term rental business" shall mean the rental of a dwelling unit or a portion thereof, by the owner to another person or group of persons for occupancy, dwelling, lodging or sleeping purposes for a period of thirty (30) consecutive calendar days or less (i.e., 29 or fewer consecutive overnight stays). The rental of units within city-approved hotels, motels, or bed and breakfasts shall not be considered a short-term rental.

Steps to Operate a Short-Term Rental in Whittier

1. Determine eligibility
2. Review operating requirements
3. Gather required documentation
4. Apply for STR permit via the RentalScape portal
5. Obtain City Business License once STR permit is approved and cleared by City staff
6. Post STR permit number on all listings/advertisements

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs), properties within zones that do not allow residential uses, and those located within high and very high fire severity zones are prohibited from receiving STR permits. Please visit Interactive City Maps for zoning information.

The following is required for submission of a complete Short-Term Rental permit application:

• Property Inspection Self-Certification, including photographs
• Copy of Site Plan including required parking space
• Copy of Neighborhood Notice and Affidavit (Certified Mail Copies) at time of submittal
• Copy of Certificate of Insurance in an amount not less than $1,000,000 to cover the STR use
• Signed Good Neighbor Policy
• Proof of primary residency at STR property or within City limits
• Must submit a copy of current driver's license or current government-issued ID. Must include the STR address.

AND

• At least one of the following documents which specifically identifies both the property owner by name and the subject property address:

1. Current vehicle registration
2. Current utility bill/cable/cell phone bill. Must be dated within the last three months.
3. Property tax bill

•  A minimum of three photographs which must show the exterior, front entrance, and parking location of the short-term rental
• Associated Planning fees ($475 initial fee, $130 renewal fee)

Once the STR permit is conditionally approved by staff, you will be notified to contact Business License to obtain a City Business License. The permit will not be considered active until a City Business License is obtained. Please visit the Business License Portal to apply for a business license.

If you qualify for a short-term rental permit, you can submit all required documents and apply online through the Deckard RentalScape portal:

RentalScape Portal

Applications may ONLY be submitted online through the RentalScape portal.

Applications will be reviewed and processed on a first-come, first-served basis (timestamped). The City anticipates a review period of up to five (5) to ten (10) business days.

Application Documents

• Ordinance 3175
• STR Operating Standards
• Good Neighbor Policy
•  Site Plan Samples-STR
• Neighbor Notice
• Neighbor Notice Affidavit
• Property Inspection Self-Certification

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