Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in South Pasadena?

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in South Pasadena, though state and county regulations may still apply. You will need a standard business license to operate legally. Always check with the city directly or a legal professional for current regulations and updates.

What is the TOT tax rate in South Pasadena?

**10% TOT** is the current transient occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals in South Pasadena. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests for stays under 30 days, and remitting it to the city. Be sure to register for a business license to facilitate tax collection and remittance.

Are short-term rentals allowed in South Pasadena?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally allowed in South Pasadena, though the city does not have a dedicated ordinance. You need to obtain a business license and pay the city's 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). Check with the city planning department for any zoning restrictions or ADU limitations.

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in South Pasadena?

**Penalties** for operating without a business license or failing to collect/remit TOT in South Pasadena can vary. You need to contact the city's finance or code enforcement department for specific fine amounts. Ensure you meet all business license and tax requirements to avoid potential legal issues and fines.

South Pasadena

Permissive

STRs Allowed

CaliforniaLast updated: February 10, 2026

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Verified against official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

2 Official Sources

Summary

The City of South Pasadena does not have a dedicated short-term rental (STR) ordinance as of early 2024. While not explicitly prohibited in a dedicated chapter, STRs are subject to the city's 10% Transient Occupancy Tax and standard business license requirements.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 3 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Reporting required
•No STR-specific permit required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in South Pasadena, you should know that the city currently lacks a specific permit process for home-sharing. You are still required to register for a general business license and pay a 10% tax on all stays under 30 days. Be careful if you have an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), as these are typically restricted from being used as short-term rentals under California state law and local zoning.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.South Pasadena has no specific STR permit, meaning you operate under general business rules.
2.A 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) must be collected and remitted to the city for stays under 30 days.
3.Verify if your home is within South Pasadena city limits or in the unincorporated 'South Pasadena' county area (Alhambra/Pasadena borders).
4.ADUs (Granny Flats) are strictly prohibited for use as short-term rentals.
5.The city has discussed banning STRs in the past; always check with the Planning Department before starting.
6.Standard noise and nuisance ordinances are strictly enforced in residential neighborhoods.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•South Pasadena: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•South Pasadena: South Pasadena uses 'permissive zoning,' meaning if a use is not listed as 'Permitted,' it is prohibited by default.
•South Pasadena prohibits STRs in the following property types: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

Requirements(12)

•South Pasadena STR warning: Nearby Pasadena has a robust STR program, but those rules do NOT apply to South Pasadena; they are separate cities.
•South Pasadena STR warning: Rentals of 30 days or more are considered long-term and are legal but subject to CA state tenant protections.

Application Process(6)

•How to set up an STR in South Pasadena: To host an Airbnb in South Pasadena, you should be aware that the city does not currently have a legal framework allowing short-term rentals in residential areas. Stays under 30 days are generally not permitted, and the city's zoning code specifically prohibits using ADUs (granny flats or guest houses) for short-term stays. Most hosts in the city operate under a 30-day minimum stay to remain compliant with local zoning and rental laws.

Limits & Restrictions(2)

•South Pasadena enforces quiet hours: South Pasadena Municipal Code 19A.10 (General Noise).
•South Pasadena requires a minimum stay of 30 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•South Pasadena requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors.

Penalties(2)

•South Pasadena: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.
•South Pasadena enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by general code enforcement. Maximum fine: $1,000. Criminal penalties may apply.

Exemptions(3)

•South Pasadena: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•South Pasadena exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days).
•South Pasadena: Nearby Pasadena has a robust STR program, but those rules do NOT apply to South Pasadena; they are separate cities.

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

California

Strict

The City of Los Angeles requires all short-term rental hosts to register for a Home-Sharing permit and only permits the rental of one's primary residence. Stays are capped at 120 days per year unless an Extended Home-Sharing permit is obtained, and rentals in RSO-regulated buildings or newer ADUs are strictly prohibited.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Anaheim

California

Prohibited

Short-term rentals in Anaheim are strictly limited to approximately 277 'pre-moratorium' operators who were grandfathered in 2019. The city currently prohibits the issuance of any new STR permits. Allowed operators must follow rigid 'Good Neighbor' policies, enforce a 3-night minimum stay, and pay a 15% Transient Occupancy Tax.

Permit required

15.0% total tax

Mammoth Lakes

California

Moderate

Short-term rentals are heavily regulated in Mammoth Lakes and generally restricted to multi-family and resort zones (RMF-2, Resort, etc.). Hosts must obtain an STR Certificate and a Business Tax Certificate, and pay a total TOT rate of 13%. Stays of 31 days or longer are exempt from these regulations.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Big Bear Lake

California

Strict

The City of Big Bear Lake regulates short-term rentals under Chapter 5.44, requiring an annual license, rigorous safety inspections, and a strict guest limit of 2 per bedroom plus 2. Owners are limited to 2 licenses total and must remit a 9% combined TOT and TBID tax quarterly.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

South Pasadena

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(6)

Limits & Restrictions(2)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(3)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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South Pasadena

Verified Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in South Pasadena?

2What is the TOT tax rate in South Pasadena?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in South Pasadena?

4What happens if I operate an illegal STR in South Pasadena?

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Other California Markets

Los Angeles

Anaheim

Mammoth Lakes

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